Decision on controversial SQE delayed by SRA

The SRA has delayed its decision on the controversial Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), but has indicated that it is not a case of whether, but when, it will happen. The SRA said that “there is a strong case for the SQE”, but has extended the timetable so that it can “work on getting the detail right before making a final decision”.

The SRA has received over 240 responses to its consultation on the SQE – of those, Lawyer2B reports that “40 to 50 were “wholly positive”, with around 100 more that were “wholly negative””. There has been widely published opposition to the proposal, particularly from universities and academics. In response to the scale of the feedback and the need to consider the responses carefully, the SRA has delayed any final decision until Spring 2017. As such, the exam’s implementation will be no earlier than the 2019-20 academic year (a year later than originally suggested).

Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said: "I think the case for a form of centralised assessment is strong. It addresses the problem that, currently, qualifications are not comparable - multiple courses and exams mean that standards can vary significantly and there is a lack of transparency. […] I welcome the support from organisations such as the Law Society, the Law Centres Network and the Black Solicitors Network. Yet we have had some useful challenges. We recognise the call for more detail, and the need to make sure that the SQE is targeted and proportionate while maintaining the essential high standards. I am absolutely clear that a period of work-based learning has to be a fundamental component of the process.”

For an overview of the proposed SQE, read our Feature article, “The Solicitors Qualifying Examination: what we know so far”.