Kaplan appointed to develop Solicitors Qualifying Examination

Kaplan appointed to develop Solicitors Qualifying Examination

In the latest news concerning the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), it has been announced that education giant Kaplan will be the assessment organisation that develops and delivers the new ‘super exam’.

Following a year-long selection process, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) awarded Kaplan the eight year contract to run the SQE. Kaplan will not provide training for the exam.

Paul Philip, SRA chief executive said: “We are delighted to appoint Kaplan after a robust, competitive and open process. Their bid succeeded against some very strong competition.”

The SRA will now work closely with Kaplan and other stake holders from across the legal education sector to develop and test the SQE.

“We are now another step closer to delivering a rigorous assessment that helps build trust that all qualifying solicitors are meeting the same high standards, regardless of their route into the profession”, added Phillip.

Kaplan’s appointment to deliver the SQE marks its re-entry into the legal education sector. It previously provided GDL and LPC courses but ceased operations in 2016.

Peter Houillon, chief executive officer at Kaplan stated: “Kaplan is thrilled to have been selected to run the SQE on behalf of the SRA and build on our partnership founded in the delivery of the QLTS. We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to build and deliver a world class Solicitors Qualifying Examination.”

The SQE is a new two-stage assessment that all prospective solicitors will have to pass in order to qualify. The new route towards qualifying as a solicitor will be introduced in 2020 at the earliest. Details of the cost for the new assessment are yet to be announced.

For more information on the SQE, read Understanding the SQE (by The University of Law).