Navigating the SQE: Essential Dates, Booking Tips, and Strategies for 2025-2026

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) represents a modern, streamlined pathway to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales, introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Unlike the traditional routes, the SQE emphasizes practical skills and knowledge through two main stages: SQE1, which tests Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK), and SQE2, focusing on practical legal skills via oral and written assessments.

Whether you're a law graduate, career changer, or aspiring solicitor, understanding the assessment timeline is crucial for effective planning.

In this blog, we'll break down the key dates for 2025-2026, booking windows, results timelines, and offer insights to help you prepare smarter—not harder.

As of September 2025, some sittings have already passed (like July 2025), but plenty of opportunities remain. Let's dive in, drawing from the latest SRA guidance.

SQE1: The Foundation of Legal Knowledge

SQE1 consists of two FLK assessments, each spanning a week, typically in January and July each year.

You must pass SQE1 (or receive a full exemption) before booking SQE2. Here's a snapshot of the upcoming dates:

Assessment	FLK1 Dates	FLK2 Dates	Booking Window	First Day of Window	Examinable Law Cut-Off	Results Date
January 2026	12-16 January	19-23 January	Opens: 15 September 2025 Closes: 12 November 2025	12 January 2026	12 September 2025	10 March 2026
July 2026	13-17 July	20-24 July	TBC	13 July 2026	13 March 2026	TBC

Insights for SQE1 Planning:

• Regular Pattern: Expect two sittings annually, aiming for the third week of the month. This predictability allows you to align your study schedule with work or other commitments.

• Booking Tip: With the January 2026 window opening soon (on September 15, 2025), act quickly if you're ready—seats fill up fast. Bookings close about five weeks before the assessment.

• Examinable Law Cut-Off: Note that the law tested is current up to the cut-off date (e.g., September 12, 2025, for January 2026). This means focusing on recent updates in areas like contract, tort, and criminal law.

• Results Timeline: You'll get results 5-6 weeks post-assessment, often while the next SQE2 booking is open. This overlap is a boon for fast-trackers aiming to progress quickly.

  
  

If you're eyeing January 2026, now's the time to ramp up prep—results from the previous July sitting were released on September 10, 2025, so reflect on any trends from those.

SQE2: Mastering Practical Skills

SQE2 is more intensive, combining oral (e.g., advocacy, interviewing) and written assessments (e.g., legal drafting, research).

Orals are held in UK venues like Birmingham, Cardiff, London, and Manchester, while writtens are at Pearson VUE centers worldwide.

Sittings occur four times a year: January, April, July, and October. The window can span 2-5 weeks, with no fixed order between oral and written components.

Here's the schedule for remaining 2025 and 2026 sittings:

Assessment	Oral Dates	Written Dates	Booking Window	First Day of Window	Examinable Law Cut-Off	Results Date
October 2025	First: 30-31 October Second: 11-12 November Third: 13-14 November	4-6 November	Opens: 16 June 2025 Closes: 24 September 2025	30 October 2025	30 June 2025	24 February 2026
January 2026	First: 3-4 February Second: 5-6 February	27-29 January	TBC	27 January 2026	27 September 2025	21 May 2026
April 2026	First: 5-6 May Second: 7-8 May Third: 12-13 May Fourth: 14-15 May	28-30 April	TBC	28 April 2026	28 December 2025	27 August 2026
July 2026	First: 4-5 August Second: 6-7 August	28-30 July	TBC	28 July 2026	28 March 2026	TBC
October 2026	First: 3-4 November Second: 5-6 November Third: 10-11 November	27-29 October	TBC	27 October 2026	27 June 2026	TBC

Insights for SQE2 Planning:

• Availability and Choice: Oral sittings are limited by venue capacity—book early to secure your preferred slot and location. Not all cities are available every time.

• International Options: If testing abroad, check start times during booking, as they vary. You can also opt for Welsh-language assessments.

• Results and Resits: Results come 14-18 weeks later, meaning resits are at least six months apart. This built-in buffer encourages thorough preparation over rushed attempts.

• Transition from SQE1: Extra SQE2 seats often open post-SQE1 results, ideal for seamless progression. For instance, if you passed July 2025 SQE1, you could have targeted October 2025 SQE2—but with bookings closing September 24, 2025, the window is narrowing fast.

The SRA notes increasing candidate volumes may extend windows to four or five weeks, so flexibility is key.

Key Timelines and Rules to Remember

• Overall Time Limit: You have six years from your first SQE sitting to complete both stages, with up to three attempts each. Plan strategically to avoid running out of time.

• Booking Closures: Generally five weeks pre-assessment—don't procrastinate!

• Results Overlaps: SQE1 results align with SQE2 bookings, but SQE2's longer wait means pacing yourself is essential.

  
  

Strategic Tips for SQE Success

Preparing for the SQE isn't just about cramming; it's about smart integration with your career. The SRA emphasizes that while self-study is possible, most candidates benefit from structured training. Factors like prior experience or employer support should guide your approach.

• When to Sit: Consider gaining qualifying work experience (QWE) before SQE2—it can boost practical skills. Check the SRA's March 2022 blog on "Preparing for SQE2" for deeper insights.

• Choosing Providers: The SRA lists unregulated providers for courses, materials, and tutoring. Tailor to your learning style—online, in-person, or hybrid.

• Future Outlook: No additional SQE1 sittings (e.g., April/October) are planned yet, but the SRA monitors demand and would announce 18 months ahead.

• Pro Tip for 2025 Aspirants: With October 2025 SQE2 bookings still open until September 24, prioritize if you've cleared SQE1. For SQE1, gear up for the January 2026 window opening in just 10 days.

  
  

The SQE democratizes solicitor qualification, but success hinges on proactive planning. Register for an SQE account anytime via the SRA site to get started. If you've passed, explore admission to the roll next.

For the most up-to-date details, always check the official SRA SQE booking page. Stay tuned for more SQE tips—drop a comment if you have questions!