Worried about a what-if disaster on exam day, future solicitors? Relax – the SRA is shoring up safety nets to keep your SQE on track! The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has rolled out new guidance to support candidates facing hurdles, ensuring no one’s unfairly sidelined. With fresh web pages and FAQs on SQE mitigating circumstances and an updated Fair Access Policy for SQE fair access, these updates are your life line if illness, personal crises, or individual needs strike. What counts as a mitigating circumstance? How do you apply? What’s the deal with reasonable adjustments? I’m here to break it down with tips, a chuckle, and a nod to your solicitor dreams. For top SQE prep, check FQPS, your guide to crushing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Let’s start with mitigating circumstances. The SRA’ s new web page and FAQs clarify how to handle exam-day disasters. A mitigating circumstance is a serious, unexpected issue—think sudden illness, a family bereavement, or a car breakdown en route to the test center—that significantly impacts your performance. Minor stress or poor prep don’t count. For example, if you’re battling flu during SQE1, you can apply for your results to be reviewed. A friend of mine applied after a hospital stay during SQE2—she got a resit fee waiver, saving £2,974. The SRA’ s goal? Fairness, not free passes.
What qualifies? The SRA lists examples like a cute medical conditions, recent bereavements, or severe disruptions (e.g., a fire alarm during your exam). Chronic conditions don’t usually qualify unless they flare up unexpectedly. You need evidence—think doctor’s notes or police reports. A colleague tried applying after oversleeping—denied, as it was his fault. The process is strict but clear: submit your claim within 10 working days post-exam via the SRA ’s online portal, with supporting documents. Outcomes vary: you might get a fee-waived resit, a mark adjustment, or a note on your record for future employers. The SQE mitigating circumstances system ensures real issues don’t derail your solicitor path.
The application process is straightforward but demands precision. Login to your SRA account, access the mitigating circumstances portal, and submit your claim with evidence like medical certificates or witness statements. The SRA reviews claims within 20 working days, per the FAQs. Incomplete applications get rejected, so double-check. A law grad I know missed the deadline by a day—her claim was tossed, costing her a £944 SQE1 resit. Act fast and follow instructions like you’re filing a court document. The SRA ’s web page details steps, making it easier than the old, scattered guidance. For more prep tips, FQPS has you covered.
Why the update? X posts from 2024 candidates slammed the old process as vague, with delays in claim reviews. The SRA listened, launching the web page in February 2025 to streamline SQE fair access. The FAQs tackle common questions, like “Can I appeal a rejection?” (Yes, within 10 days.) This clarity helps you focus on studying, not stressing. The system’s not perfect—X users still grumble about evidence demands—but it’s a step toward equity. You’re proving you can handle solicitor-level challenges, even when life throws curve balls.
The SQE fair access focus extends to the SRA ’s updated Fair Access Policy, launched March 2025,ensuring SQE reasonable adjustments for candidates with individual needs. The updated policy aligns wording with other SRA policies for clarity, guaranteeing adjustments like extra time or accessible venues. If you have a disability, medical condition, or specific need (e.g., dyslexia,mobility issues), you can request adjustments before booking SQE1 or SQE2. A friend with ADHD got 25% extra time for SQE1, boosting her score by 10%.The policy ensures you’re judged on legal skills, not personal challenges.
How do you apply for adjustments? Submit a request via the SRA’ s online portal at least 8 weeks before your exam, including evidence like a doctor’s letter or educational psychologist’s report. The SRA reviews within 15 working days, offering adjustments like rest breaks, large-print papers, or wheel chair-accessible centers. In 2024, 5% of candidates used adjustments, with 85% reporting better performance. A colleague with visual impairment got a braille SQE2script—she passed with 62%. Miss the deadline, and you’re stuck. Check FQPS for tips on navigating the process like a solicitor prepping a case.
What adjustments are available? Options include 25-50% extra time, separate rooms, or assistive tech (e.g., screen readers). The SRA tailors solutions to your needs, per the policy’s “individualized approach.” Temporary conditions, like a broken arm, may qualify with evidence. A law student I know got a scribe for SQE1after a wrist injury, saving her exam. Apply early—last-minute requests rarely succeed. The policy’s clarity beats 2024’s vague wording, which left candidates guessing. The SQE reasonable adjustments system levels the playing field, letting your legal brain shine.
Self-advocacy is a key “project” here. The SRA encourages candidates to speak up about needs,mirroring how solicitors advocate for clients. Document your condition clearly—vague requests get denied. A paralegal I know detailed her dyslexia in her adjustment request, securing extra time and passing SQE1. Practice this skill by researching your rights on Legal Cheekor X forums. Advocacy builds confidence for SQE2’s client interviews.A trainee I know used her adjustment experience to ace SQE2’s advocacy, showing resilience employers love.
The Fair Access Policy’s impact is real. In 2024, 300 candidates used adjustments, with pass rates 12% higher than un-adjusted peers, per SRA data. The 2025 update responds to X complaints about inconsistent approvals, standardizing terms like “reasonable adjustment.” It’s not perfect—some X users moan about paperwork—but it’s progress. If you’re neuro-diverse or disabled, this policy ensures the SQE tests your legal skills, not your struggles. Think of it as your right to a fair shot at solicitor status.
Mental health ties into both systems. Mitigating circumstances cover acute mental health crises(e.g., a panic attack during SQE2), but chronic conditions like anxiety qualify for adjustments. A friend applied for mitigating circumstances after a family crisis during SQE1—she got a resit waiver. Disclose early for adjustments; late claims lean on mitigating circumstances, which are stricter. Schedule weekly downtime—a walk or Netflix—to manage stress. A law grad I know used yoga breaks during prep, passing SQE1 with 64%. Balance keeps you sharp for those 360 SQE1 questions.
Budgeting’s another hurdle. Mitigating circumstances might waive resit fees (£944 for SQE1, £2,974 forSQE2), but adjustments are free. Save £100 a month for exam fees—by July2025, you’ll have £1,200, over half of SQE1’s £1,934. Cut small costs, like skipping fancy lunches. A student I know saved £350 in four months by cooking. Paralegal gigs at £20 an hour can fund SQE1 in a year with 8 hours weekly. The SRA ’s Access Fund offers grants.
Real stories make the SQE mitigating circumstances system come alive. Meet Priya, a30-year-old paralegal who faced a nightmare during January 2025’s SQE1. A sudden illness landed her in hospital the day before FLK2. Using the SRA ’s new mitigating circumstances web page, she submitted a claim with a doctor’s note within 10 days. The SRA waived her £944 resit fee, and she passed FLK2 in July. Priya saved £80 a month for fees and networked at a law fair to secure firm funding for mocks. Her quick action turned a crisis into a comeback.
Then there’s Jamal, a law grad with dyslexia, who tapped the Fair Access Policy. In 2024, he struggled with SQE1’s dense questions, failing FLK1. For January 2025, he requested SQE reasonable adjustments via the SRA’ s portal,securing 25% extra time with a psychologist’s report. He passed with 61%,crediting the extra time. Jamal tutored online for £15 an hour, earning£240 a month for fees, and cut streaming subscriptions to save £70 monthly. His X study group shared adjustment tips, boosting his morale. Jamal’s story shows how advocating for your needs can unlock success.
These stories highlight a solicitor’s skill: resilience. Priya bounced back from illness, while Jamal adapted to his learning needs. Both balanced prep, budgeting, and self-advocacy, mirroring how you’ll handle legal challenges. You don’t need to be flawless—just persistent. Priya used the SRA ’s clear process, while Jamal leveraged adjustments. The SQE fair access system rewards those who act decisively. If you’re prepping for SQE1 orSQE2, treat these systems like tools in your solicitor toolkit.
Networking’s a vital “project.”The SRA notes candidates with mentors navigated adjustments or claims 15%faster. A student I know met a solicitor on LinkedIn, learning how to frame her anxiety adjustment request—she got rest breaks and passed SQE1. Attend law fairs or virtual panels to connect. It’s like building a case for your career. A paralegal I know met a mentor at a law clinic, guiding her through a mitigating circumstances claim after a family loss. Connections turn obstacles into opportunities.
Work experience sharpens your edge. Volunteering at law clinics or Citizens Advice builds skills like client empathy, useful for SQE2 and adjustment requests. A trainee I know volunteered, learning to articulate her mobility needs for a wheelchair-accessible SQE2 center—she passed with 65%. Real-world practice makes you confident in SRA portals. If you’re not in law, paralegal gig sor shadowing solicitors offer insights. A law grad I know shadowed a solicitor, refining her adjustment request and passing SQE1. Experience grounds your prep in reality.
Funding’s critical,especially if resits loom. The SRA ’s Access Fund, firm sponsor-ships, or university scholarships can ease the £1,934 SQE1 fee. The Black Solicitors Network offers grants for underrepresented groups—check eligibility. A £500 grant can cover mocks. A friend got £700 from her firm by pitching her SQE plan. Crowdfunding’s an option; a student raised £800 for SQE1 via GoFundMe. Tax note: donations may be taxable. Mix savings and grants to stay ahead. A law grad saved £150 a month and got a £400 grant, fundingSQE1.
The SRA ’s updates address equity gaps. In 2024, 10% of candidates faced barriers like disabilities or crises, per SRA data. The new web pages and policy aim to close this, but X users still flag slow reviews. If you face barriers, use these tools early. A student I know applied for adjustments for autism, getting a separate room and passing SQE2. The SQE reasonable adjustments system is your right—claim it like a solicitor fighting for a client.
The SQE mitigating circumstances and SQE fair access updates are more than policy tweaks—they’re your safety net, future solicitors. A solicitor’s career, with £40,000 starting salaries and £100,000+ at top firms, is worth fighting for. Imagine advising clients on life-changing deals or defending their rights in court. The SQE ’s £1,934 (SQE1) or £2,974 (SQE2)fees are steep, but peanuts compared to medical or MBA costs, with equal rewards. Most jobs cap at £25,000—law’s a league apart. These SRA systems ensure illness, crises, or disabilities don’t block your path.
The updates aren’t flawless. X users praise the new mitigating circumstances web page but grumble about evidence hurdles. The Fair Access Policy’s clearer wording helps, yet some candidates report delayed adjustment approvals. The SRA ’s trying—2025’s changes answer 2024’s complaints. In 2024, 400candidates used mitigating circumstances, with 70% getting resit waivers or mark adjustments, per SRA data. You’re not just applying—you’re proving solicitor-level resilience. The SQE reasonable adjustments system lifts pass rates for supported candidates by 10%.
Why’s this worth it? PassingSQE1 and SQE2, plus qualifying work experience (QWE), makes you a solicitor.Legal Cheek reports mid-sized firm solicitors earn £50,000 within three years, with magic circle firms hitting six figures. You’re investing in a career of impact.A friend who used adjustments for SQE1 now advises clients on property law,loving the challenge. The SQE ’s your ticket to a profession that blends brains and purpose.
Time management’s your final “project.” The SRA notes candidates who planned adjustment or mitigating claims early faced less stress. Create a 12-week prep plan,including time to gather evidence (e.g., medical reports) for requests. Submit adjustment claims 8 weeks pre-exam, mitigating claims within 10 days post-exam. A student I know set calendar alerts for SQE1 adjustment deadlines, securing extra time and passing with 66%. Treat requests like court filings—timely and precise. This skill preps you for law’s tight deadlines.
Your action plan, future solicitors: Know the SQE mitigating circumstances process—apply within 10 days with evidence like doctor’s notes. Request SQE reasonable adjustments 8 weeks early for needs like extra time. Save£100 a month for fees; paralegal gigs or crowdfunding can help. Network at law fairs for funding or mentors—try FQPS for prep tips. Balance study,volunteering, and downtime to stay sharp. A colleague used adjustments forSQE2, volunteered at a clinic, and passed with 63%.
Funding needs hustle. A high-interest account earns £50 yearly on £1,200 saved. A grad funded mocks with her interest. Pitch firms for £500-£1,000; show your SQE plan.A paralegal got £800 from her firm.The SQE fair access system cuts resit risks (£944 for SQE1, £2,974 for SQE2). Save now to stay stress-free.
The SQE tests solicitor skills—precision, advocacy, resilience. Mitigating circumstances and adjustments mirror how you’ll fight for clients. A trainee I know used a mitigating claim post-SQE1, learning to advocate for herself, and aced SQE2 s client interviews. These systems are your tools—use them. Picture yourself as a solicitor, solving problems and winning cases—that’s worth every form and study session.
The SRA’s updates are your ally. You’re not just prepping for a test—you’re building a future of justice and impact. Act fast, advocate boldly, and balance life to shine. The SQE ’s your first case—win it. Grab your laptop, hit FQPS, and let’s keep your solicitor dream on track, no matter what life throws.
Stay up to date
Never miss latest SRA updates. Receive product updates, news and customer stories right into your inbox.
