This blog has been rewritten because the method for doing this has been changed by the SRA. No longer do you use the pdf form which they used to require.

Here is a link to a podcast if you prefer to listen to what to do: https://anchor.fm/ingemar9/episodes/How-to-register-your-QWE-with-the-SRA-SQE-route-e1dpjk3

Instead log onto your 'MySRA' account on the SRA website. From there you will see something like 'Notify us of your QWE'. You will need to write in the period of QWE you wish to have confirmed, the name of the organisation where you did the QWE, the name of the solicitor who will confirm the QWE to the SRA and their SRA reference number.

This will prompt the SRA to email that solicitor to ask them to confirm your QWE.

They will be asked to confirm:

"I confirm that in accordance with the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, the applicant has completed a period of qualifying work experience and:

• this work experience was for the number of months stated (full time or part time equivalent)
• the applicant has had the opportunity to develop some or all of the prescribed competencies for solicitors
• where the QWE has been completed in an organisation where I do not work, I have reviewed the applicant's work during the placement and have received feedback from the person(s) supervising their work."

What is QWE?

Here is a link to a short podcast with info if you prefer to listen:

https://anchor.fm/ingemar9/episodes/What-is-QWE--Part-of-the-SQE-route-to-qualifying-as-an-English-Solicitor-e1dllkp

Or visit this page on the SRA website: candidate pages.

But there is no definitive definition. It is up to the judgment of the Confirming Solicitor. It is best to ask them.

What is there is no solicitor in your organisation to confirm your QWE?

We can help. Our lead consultant, Ingemar Hunnings, (SRA No. 156976) provides a service as an External QWE Confirmation Solicitor. Find more information here:

If you are an Aspiring Solicitor: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/ 

If you are an employer: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/qwe-external-confirming-solicitor-service-for-employers/

Other Links

There is quite a lot of resource for Aspiring Solicitors about the SQE & QWE on this website.

For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/

Here is information on SQE Training Providers with their current charges for the training: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-training-providers/

Contact us:

Fill in the form below

or by phone to Ingemar Hunnings: 07887 524507

or email:  [email protected]

(N.B. Remember there is also a £4,115 cost of taking SQE1 and 2 exams themselves.)

We have been asked by several Aspiring Solicitors where they can find a list of providers of training for the SQE. So, we have done a bit of spade work to bring together in this blog what we can find. Please do not regard this as the definitive source of data – but we hope it will be a helpful resource for you.

We understand that some of the larger law firms will be offering to provide the SQE training internally. We understand that some universities will be offering to cover SQE preparation in their courses.  Several will be offering a separate SQE preparation course. As there are so many and they can be found from the SRA List below we have not put details here.

Some firms will avail themselves of the ability to offer Solicitor Apprenticeships, where the government will cover the SQE preparation fees and the exam costs - see here for more info: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/apprenticeships-the-sqe-how-this-can-save-you-money/

SRA List

The SRA has a list of SQE Training Providers who have registered to use the SRA trademark so far. That does not mean that they will actually provide training. The SRA wrote that details of further providers will be added in due course. Here is a link to the list. It is just a list and when we checked many of the links to websites did not work. Very few seem to have published what fees they will charge.

https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/training-provider-list/

Other Providers

The College of Legal Practice

Australian. Self-Styled Disrupter

Offering on-line training at low prices. Will not be part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.

As reported in the LS Gazette in Feb 2021: “The college has designed a range of virtual programmes, a SQE1 preparation course costing £1,800 and a SQE2 preparation course costing £2,300. These are two of three core learning areas, the other comprising legal skills modules, which can be taken in isolation or grouped together as part of a Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Practice. The SQE programmes are available as a 12-week full-time course or a 20-week part-time course.” Pricing for 2025 seems to be £4,500 - £4,900 for SQE1 & 2.

https://www.collegalpractice.com/sqe

Barbri

A provider from the USA. Plan to be part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.

Were the first to enter the market. They offered the preparation training for both the SQE1 & 2 at a cost of about £6,000.

https://barbri-prep.com/sqe/

QLTS School

As their name suggests, they come from a background specialising in helping foreign lawyers from various countries around the world to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme). As the SQE exam is based to a large extent on the old QLTS scheme, this gives them many years of expertise in preparing candidates for this types of exams. They also offer free Mock Tests: FLK1, FLK2 & SQE2. 

They have stated that they will prepare students, paralegals, apprentices and foreign qualified lawyers for SQE1 & 2 with a cost between £4,000 and £6,000, depending upon options chosen.

https://www.qlts.co.uk/sqe/

University of Law

The traditional provider that for older solicitors was the College of Law. Part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.

The University of Law has developed an LLM Legal Practice course costing between £14,000 and £18,800.

https://www.law.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/sqe/courses/

The Law Training Centre

A Kent based Legal Training company.

Fees for SQE1 & 2: £4,900. The provider is also offering a discount for students who have completed the Legal Practice Course or an undergraduate degree.

https://www.ltckent.co.uk/

BPP

Recognised providers of training courses to the legal profession. SQE1 & 2 £13,400 if out of London or on-line or £15,800 if in London. 

https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe

Brightlink Learning

Also provide CiLex Training. Only providing SQE1 prep for the moment (summer 2022). Cost: between £2,500 & £3,000. S

https://brightlink.org.uk/sqe/#1646675255913-3dd6e956-90f9

SMART Superexam Coaching (also known as OSCEsmart)

Previously a provider of QLTS OSCE training and now offers preparation for both the SQE1 and SQE2. They offer 1-to-1 SQE2 mock simulations with personalised feedback, priced at £120 each. Additionally, they provide SQE law and skills pre-recorded lectures at a cost of £35 each, along with revision live lectures priced at £25. These law lectures are specially designed for non-native speakers and include concise and structured notes. Option to purchase a discounted package, with the SQE1 and SQE2 package priced at £3,439. Alternatively, services can be purchased standalone.

https://superexam.uk/prices/

Preptackle

They say they provide coaching to help candidates prepare for SQE2 in an affordable and flexible way. We cannot see pricing from the website. We were made aware of this by a candidate in Dubai who thought they focus on people in the Middle East, although there is no mention of that on the website. They seem just to focus on prep for the SQE2 exam, not SQE1.

https://www.preptackle.com

QWE

We have blogged extensively about QWE and invite you to visit some of the blogs. URLs are listed below.

Should you not have a solicitor who can 'Confirm' your QWE then WE CAN HELP.

Here’s a link to how: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/

For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/

YouTube

Here is a link to our YouTube channel. On there you will find many videos explaining about the SQE, QWE and applying for exemptions from the exams. Also full videos of webinars we have delivered with info about this & the Q&A session that follows the talk. If you think this might be helpful, might we invite you to subscribe so it reaches more people?

Contact Us

Fill in the form below or feel free to contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]

Some interesting bits from the SRA Conference yesterday on the SQE.

When?

SQE 1 exams will be on 8th (FLK 1) & 11th Nov 2021 (FLK 2), 5 hrs exam each day (in 2 halves with an hour’s break between).

SQE 2 exams will be in April 2022

Where will they be?

You will be able to see through the portal the SRA will set up:

SQE 1 will be at Pearson Vue Assessment centres in UK & internationally

The Oral for SQE 2 initially in Assessment Venues = London, Manchester & Cardiff

Results

Will be sent to the candidate direct unless they are solicitor apprentices, where they will go to the training provider.

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

Can apply from Spring 2021 to have them registered with the SRA. More detail to come.

How can we help?

We provide an external QWE Confirming Solicitor service - to help out aspiring solicitors who do not have a solicitor to sign off their QWE, or firms that would rather outsource this. Here's a link: QWE - External Certification Service (hunningsconsultancy.co.uk)

Fee free to contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]

Links to the sessions in the Conference 15.12.20

SQE Implementation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXI_jDqP-4&feature=youtu.be

 How Providers & Firms are Preparing for the SQE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCI-1SI0ctQ&feature=youtu.be

Assessment Specifications and Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yreaCuDrd48&feature=youtu.be

SQE Monitoring and Maximising Diversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SXN-ceI9dw&feature=youtu.be

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLXx0DCHqr0&feature=youtu.be

We have had quite a few aspiring solicitors asking for guidance on this subject - quite understandably. The SRA has published some helpful guidance on this subject. Below are some of the most pertinent points.

However, first of all here is a link to a really useful tool the SRA have put up. It is a decision tree as to whether to take the SQE or LPC route. It's in the form of a series of questions, the answer to which take you to advice.

Already have started or accepted an offer of a period of recognised training before 1 September 2021?

The Law Society Gazette reports today that the Legal Services Board has approved the SQE - due to start in the autumn of next year.

Uncertainty has been removed. Qualifying as a solicitor will be by this method from the autumn on 2021. Here's a link to the article in the LS Gazette announcing this: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/its-official-lsb-approves-solicitor-super-exam/5106169.article?

For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/

For information on how you can use the Apprenticeship Scheme to pay for the SQE training costs see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/apprenticeships-the-sqe-how-this-can-save-you-money/

For information on how we can help aspiring solicitors with monitoring your QWE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/

The Government Apprenticeship Scheme is promoted as an option by the SRA for a way to assist with the funding of training costs.

It is Government Policy to help people into employment to be able to use their skills and become good tax-payers.

So, you should be pushing at an open door. In October 2020 DWF announced that from January 2022 trainees will be on the SQE using the Apprenticeship Scheme. In April 2021 the BBC  In-House Legal Department invited applicants for Level 7 Graduate Legal Apprenticeship in 2022 - to qualify as solicitors through the SQE. So the larger organisations are starting to adopt this.

The big benefit is that the trainee can qualify without a £17,000 debt (as currently is the case under the LPC).

* The government is reviewing whether the funding of level 7 apprenticeships such as for the SQE should continue. Here's a link to their press release of 24.9.24 

But that might give employers more flexibility over wages perhaps?

We are interested in helping people who have done their degree to progress with their career. There are so many struggling to find a traineeship at the moment and in limbo. Such a waste of potential, effort and money. The assistance here may unlock all the potential places that exist in small law firms.

Here is a summary of information on how a law firm could use the Apprenticehip Scheme for people training to become solicitors:

• The employer employs the Apprentice.
• If you are an employer accessing funding through the apprenticeship service, you must have and operate within the terms and conditions of your apprenticeship employer agreement. Here is the link to the government suggested template Apprenticeship Agreement: https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice/apprenticeship-agreement The Agreement is between the employer and the apprentice.
• The employer must also sign a commitment statement with their apprentice and the training provider. Here is a link to the government suggested draft and some other info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeships-off-the-job-training
• They have to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week (80% of which must be spent on the job and 20% with the training provider).
• The minimum length of the apprenticeship is 12 months (certain exemptions apply due to exams having been taken and earlier QWE, but 12 months would be reasonable anyway for them to give back once they’ve learned the ropes in the firm, I’d suggest).
• You must pay the Apprentice at least the National Minimum Wage (currently £8.91/hr if aged 23 and over)
• The firm, as the Apprentice’s employer, pays their wages.
• The firm may be able to get a waiver for NI (national insurance contributions) if the Apprentice is under 25 years old (refer to your accountant).
• Grant (only up to the end of Sept 2021) of £3,000 if they are aged under 24 years. That grant is paid to the employer. (refer to your accountant)

Funding for the training

• The government will pay 95% of this (or 100% if you are large enough to be paying into the Apprenticeship Fund via the Levy [your annual wage bill is over £3 million]).
• This is paid directly to the training provider (up to a maximum of £27,000 for the whole training and exams under the apprenticeship); it is paid in the form of credits, no money goes to the employing firm.
• When the Training Provider quotes, the quote should include the cost of the SQE 1 & 2.
• A big difference here is that the Apprentice does not qualify with a huge debt (currently up to £17,000 for the LPC) for the training and exams.
• Transfer Funding – larger firms and companies who pay the Apprenticeship Levy are now allowed to transfer any surplus they may have each year to a smaller organisation, which can then cover the 5% of the training costs that the smaller organisation/firm would otherwise be left paying; so if you have a good relationship with a larger organisation ask them – it won’t cost them anything.

The Apprenticeship scheme is run through a portal. You can delegate a lot of the admin should you wish.

Getting rid of an underperforming Apprentice – Apprentices have no more or less employment rights than any other employee. There is no impact on the apprenticeship funding. There is no clawback from the employing firm. The Training Provider would cease to receive any more money as the training would have ceased.

• Apprenticeship Support Service - contact details:
  • Phone: 08000 150 600, tel line open 7 days a week 8am-10pm. Will respond via email during normal office hours
  • Web: https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb
  • Emails to: [email protected] 

External QWE Confirmation Service

If you know of someone who needs an SRA regulated solicitor to confirm their QWE but have no-one in their organisation to do so - we can help. This service would apply to someone who is NOT qualified as a lawyer. Please see the link below and feel free to signpost them to us:

QWE - External Confirming Solicitor Service - for Aspiring Solicitors

YouTube Videos on SQE, SQE2 Exemptions & QWE

https://www.youtube.com/@hunningsconsultancy999/videos

Other Useful Links

Information about employing an apprentice and how apprenticeship funding works – step by step guide and a good starting point. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employing-an-apprentice-technical-guide-for-employers -

Government guidance for employers looking to take on an apprentice on the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice.

These apprenticeship funding rules and guidance apply to employers. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules-for-employers

A link to our article summarising the SQE method for qualifying as a solicitor, which comes into effect in September 2021 and the QWE (Qualifying Work Experience) and how to start gathering that now, in advance): https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/

If you are an Aspiring Solicitor looking to have your QWE (Qualifying Work Experience) 'Confirmed' so it counts towards your 2 year FTE requirement, then we can help. Here's a link to details: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/

A link to a page we have put together with the costs of some the SQE training providers - to save you some time in researching: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-training-providers/

Whilst on this page may we invite you to take a look at our other services (see the drop downs at the top of this page). We provide all round Business Support for Law Firms, everything to allow a busy partner to get on with the client work. We have assisted over 350 law firms, direct access barristers and in house-legal. Everything from Compliance to on your Case Management System (LEAP, Proclaim & Clio), from Mentoring to Setting Up a New Law Firm. Ask about running your firm and we're probably able to help. 07887 524507 or [email protected].