Key facts
- SQE1 results show as a mark out of 500; the pass mark is always set at 300.
- Behind the scale, the pass mark is set independently for each FLK paper in each sitting to allow for differences in difficulty.
- There is no fixed pass mark and there are no quotas for the allocation of grades.
- July 2026: 42% of the 6,315 candidates who completed both parts passed; first-time sitters 47% (SRA, 29 September 2026).
- January 2026: 53% overall and 58% for first-time sitters, from 7,863 candidates (SRA, 31 March 2026).
- You can attempt SQE1 three times over a six-year period.
What is the SQE1 pass mark?
There is no fixed percentage pass mark for SQE1. The pass mark is set for each FLK paper in each sitting, and results are reported as a mark out of 500 with the pass mark always at 300. (SRA, 1 April 2025) (SRA, 31 March 2026)
The pass mark for each sitting is set by the Assessment Board in accordance with the SQE Marking and Standard Setting Policy. There is no single fixed pass mark and there are no quotas for the allocation of grades. The pass mark is published after each Assessment Board and included with candidates’ results. (SRA, SQE Q&A) Each FLK paper has its own pass mark. (SRA, SQE1 sample questions)
Why does the pass mark change from sitting to sitting?
Because the standard stays the same while the questions change. In the SRA’s words: “The standard of performance a candidate needs to pass SQE1 is the same for every sitting. This is why there is no pre-determined pass mark for the assessment. The pass mark is set independently for each paper to allow for differences in difficulty.” (SRA, 31 March 2026)
In practice: if one sitting’s paper turns out harder, fewer correct answers are needed to reach the standard; if it is easier, more are needed. The reported pass mark of 300 then means the same thing in every sitting – the candidate reached the passing standard. And because there are no quotas, there is no fixed share of candidates who pass or fail. (SRA, SQE Q&A)
How are SQE1 results reported?
- Scale: SQE1 results show as a mark out of 500, and the pass mark is always set at 300. (SRA, 1 October 2024) (SRA, 1 April 2025)
- Per paper: there are multiple FLK papers in any sitting, and each FLK paper has its own pass mark. (SRA, SQE1 sample questions)
- Statistical reports: Kaplan, the SQE assessment provider, publishes a statistical report for each sitting (SRA, 1 April 2025); previous pass marks are in these SQE1 statistical reports on the SRA’s SQE website. (SRA, SQE1 sample questions)
What are the SQE1 pass rates?
In July 2026, 42% of the 6,315 candidates who completed both parts of SQE1 passed; first-time sitters had a pass rate of 47%. (SRA, 29 September 2026) These are the figures the SRA has published for recent sittings:
| Sitting | Candidates | First-timers | Pass (first) | Pass (all) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 6,315 | 5,012 | 47% | 42% |
| January 2026 | 7,863 | 6,760 | 58% | 53% |
| July 2025 | 5,851 | 4,736 | 46% | 41% |
| January 2025 | 6,782 | 5,908 | 60% | 56% |
| July 2024 | 5,006 | 4,168 | 48% | 44% |
Pass (first) is the pass rate of first-time sitters; Pass (all) is the overall pass rate, including resitters. Sources: (SRA, 29 September 2026) (SRA, 31 March 2026) (SRA, 1 October 2025) (SRA, 1 April 2025) (SRA, 1 October 2024)
For January 2024, the SRA reports an overall pass rate of 56%, the same as in January 2025. (SRA news release, 21 April 2026) In the 2024/25 academic year, 13,081 candidates took one or both of the FLK assessments. (SRA news release, 21 April 2026) Pass rates for FLK1 and FLK2 separately are in the statistical reports.
Why are July pass rates lower than January?
The SRA notes that SQE1 pass rates have been noticeably higher in January than in July, by 10–15% in each of the last three years, while the passing standard for both sittings is comparable. It gives two reasons: candidates on different training or educational routes tend to sit in different months, and July sittings typically have a higher proportion of resitters, who generally have lower pass rates than first-time sitters. (SRA, 29 September 2026)
The figures bear this out. In July 2025, 1,160 candidates (19%) were resitting – the highest proportion to that date (SRA, 1 October 2025); in January 2026 resitters made up 14% (SRA, 31 March 2026); and in July 2026, 1,303 of the 6,315 candidates were resitting one or both parts – about one in five. (SRA, 29 September 2026)
What does a pass rate tell you – and what not?
A pass rate describes a cohort, not a person. It depends on who sat that paper: their route, their preparation and how many were resitting. It is useful for one thing – a reminder that SQE1 is demanding and that a large share of candidates do not pass at the first attempt. It does not tell you your own chances. Your accuracy by subject on exam-style questions, measured over time, is a far better guide.
How many attempts do you have?
You can attempt SQE1 three times over a six-year period, and candidates can resit one or both parts. Once you pass SQE1, you can go on to SQE2. (SRA, 29 September 2026) Our guide to 2027 dates and booking covers when you can sit.
What this means for your preparation
- Do not aim for a number. There is no fixed percentage to reach, because the pass mark moves with the difficulty of the paper. Aim for secure, explainable knowledge in every subject.
- Prepare for both papers. FLK1 and FLK2 each have their own pass mark. See what each paper covers.
- Measure yourself by subject. Start with the free quick test, then track accuracy per subject – our SQE1 course shows progress per subject.
- Use the first attempt well. Attempts are limited; the method in how to revise for SQE1 is built for retention over months.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for SQE1?
SQE1 results are reported as a mark out of 500, and the pass mark is always 300. Behind that scale, the Assessment Board sets the pass mark for each FLK paper in each sitting, taking the difficulty of the questions into account.
Is the SQE1 pass mark 60%?
There is no fixed percentage. The SRA says the standard needed to pass is the same in every sitting, so the pass mark is set independently for each paper to allow for differences in difficulty.
What was the SQE1 pass rate in July 2026?
42% of the 6,315 candidates who completed both parts passed. First-time sitters had a pass rate of 47% (SRA, 29 September 2026).
Why are January SQE1 pass rates higher than July?
The SRA says January rates have been 10–15% higher in each of the last three years. Candidates on different training routes tend to sit in different months, and July sittings have more resitters, who generally have lower pass rates.
How many times can you take SQE1?
Three times over a six-year period. Candidates can resit one or both parts.
Where are past SQE1 pass marks published?
In the SQE1 statistical reports that Kaplan, the assessment provider, publishes for each sitting on the SRA’s SQE website.
Sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 pass rates up slightly year-on-year for July sittings (29 September 2026). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 January 2026 results published (31 March 2026). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 July 2025 results published (1 October 2025). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 January 2025 results published (1 April 2025). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 July 2024 results published (1 October 2024). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: Reports find SQE to be robust with improvements made (including SQE fees for 2026/27) (21 April 2026). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE questions and answers (28 January 2026). Accessed 24 October 2026.
- Solicitors Regulation Authority: SQE1 sample questions. Accessed 21 October 2026.
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