The SRA were very careful to design the SQE route so that it fell within the government's Apprenticeship Scheme, certainly for England. We have posted information about this: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/apprenticeships-the-sqe-how-this-can-save-you-money/

On 28th May 2025 the government published a press release in which they announced that, from January 2026, they would be 'refocusing' (which we take to mean 'no longer ') funding away from post-graduate qualifications. That would mean that aspiring solicitors who were graduates would no longer be able to get their SQE studies and exams funded through the apprenticeship scheme. We do not know what happens to people already part way through a graduate apprenticeship. You would need to ask your training provider, which would be receiving the funding and so will get the clarification on this.

Please note - the government has specifically mentioned that people doing a 'full apprenticeship' ie, from age 16-21 WILL still be covered by the apprenticeship scheme and be able to receive funding as they do now. The change affects graduates only.

This change was raised as a possibility some time back. There is logic to it. Now it will happen. Here is the link to the press release: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-generation-of-builders-and-carers-set-to-rebuild-britain

Help for Aspiring Solicitors

We help with confirming or signing off QWE: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/

Help with applications for exemption from the SQE2 exam: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe2-exemption-for-foreign-lawyers-review-advice/

Help with verifying your ID: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/id-verification-for-aspiring-solicitors/