Preparing for the SQE2 is a challenging task that can leave candidates feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of material and the unpredictability of exam tasks. While group courses and self-study options flood the market, many aspiring solicitors are discovering that working with an SQE private tutor or personal coach is one of the most effective ways to improve their chances of passing.
However, the question remains: How do you know you’re choosing the right tutor? With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel lost. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when selecting your SQE2 private tutor and why personalised support could make all the difference.
Why SQE2 candidates struggle without the right tutor
The SQE2 exam is designed to test a candidate’s practical legal skills, such as:
- Client interviewing and attendance notes writing
- Advocacy
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
- Legal research
- Matter analysis
These aren’t just theoretical subjects; they require real-world understanding and experience. Many candidates go into this exam underprepared because they lack practical insight, and the wrong tutor may fail to give them the edge they need.
You may already know that we offer a free SQE2 results analysis. The SQE candidates who take advantage of this are not our students, and often, in addition to a training provider, they have engaged one or several SQE2 personal tutors. Generally, these candidates were satisfied with their training; however, during the actual exam, they realised that the preparation was not entirely sufficient, and in some cases, it could even be misleading. Others have complained that during their preparation they received very high marks in specific assessments, yet when the actual exam results were released, they performed poorly in those same SQE2 assessments:
‘I have failed the SQE2 for a second time and it’s beyond me how I could go from 38 to 42 percent. I prepared with [omitted]. I completed mocks and passed a number. For some I scored above 70’.
The candidates were often asked to write a LinkedIn feedback on the training before receiving the results and later regretted it. So, to those reading this article, please refrain from providing any feedback to your SQE private tutor before receiving the results, as it may mislead others!
We have identified two main problems with the existing SQE2 personal coaches on the market:
First: To effectively coach for the SQE2, a good private tutor should have personally attended and passed the exam. Teaching a 100% experience-based exam without having that experience compromises the quality of instruction. To offer credible SQE2 tips, one must possess firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the exam techniques. This is essential because the exam does not fully replicate actual legal practice, making the specific approaches to tackling it critically important. Why would you need one-to-one coaching if it offers nothing beyond what a standard institutional provider delivers?
While being an experienced educator is a significant asset and can be helpful to candidates, it cannot replace actual firsthand experience, especially in an exam as specific as the SQE2. This may not be as significant an issue for the written components of the SQE2, since the criteria are somewhat similar to those of the LPC. However, the oral components, such as client interviews, are highly specific and should not even be coached by a solicitor, as doing so would contravene the exam’s methodology.
Second: Not all SQE2 tutors, even those who have passed the exam themselves, are capable of teaching effectively. Mere passage of the exam does not equate to teaching competency. Possessing the requisite teaching skills is essential. For instance, being able to teach English in the UK requires more than just being a native speaker. Prospective teachers must undergo specialised training and obtain certifications such as CELTA, DELTA, or TESOL. Simply knowing the language does not automatically make one an effective teacher.
Based on the received feedback from the actual candidates, a good private SQE tutor must have:
- Deep Understanding of the Exam Format: This cannot be fully acquired through roundtable discussions, books, or conferences alone.
- Proven Methods for Training Candidates: The approaches that have been tested and have successfully helped candidates pass the exam.
- Effective Coaching Experience: A track record of coaching candidates through the exam process effectively or other substantial teaching experience.
Moreover, relying on one tutor for all legal areas can be risky. The exam covers multiple fields, and no SQE coach can be an expert in every area. It’s crucial to receive feedback from specialists in each legal domain, ensuring that your SQE2 preparation is both relevant and high-quality.
What to look for in an SQE private tutor
As Gautama Buddha once said:
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many…But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
This advice is particularly relevant when choosing a private tutor for SQE2 preparation. Many candidates can be misled by hype, but it’s essential to take a reasoned approach, considering the tutor’s real experience, qualifications, and proven success in helping others succeed.
Real experience with the SQE2 exam
It’s essential to choose a tutor who has personally taken and passed the SQE2 exam. However, beyond just passing, they should have extensive experience preparing candidates for the exam. Ask yourself:
- Does this SQE trainer understand how to approach this particular assessment personally? It’s not just about understanding the examiners’ marking criteria, but knowing the strategies to effectively pass the exam.
- Can they provide proven strategies that consistently lead to success, both for themselves and for others?
Specialisation in relevant legal fields
No single SQE coach can be an expert in every area of law. Your ideal tutor should be part of a team that covers different specialties, so you get feedback from professionals who have in-depth knowledge of specific areas. For instance, property law, business, or criminal litigation may each require a different approach, and having specialised tutors for each of these fields is critical.
Proven track record and feedback
Always check for reviews or testimonials about the tutor. Have they successfully helped others pass the SQE2 exam? Be cautious of mentors who only teach theory or those who haven’t worked extensively with the SQE format. Look for tutors who understand the practical nature of the exam and can guide you through real-world scenarios.
Furthermore, ensure that the feedback you encounter is genuine and comes from students after they’ve received their results. This will provide you with a clearer picture of the tutor’s effectiveness and the tangible impact they’ve had on their students’ success.
Tailored mock exams and feedback
SQE2 is not a one-size-fits-all exam. The best tutors provide:
- Personalised 1-to-1 Mock Exams: Engage in tailored mock exams featuring complex SQE2 scenarios that closely simulate real exam conditions.
- Detailed Feedback: Receive comprehensive feedback highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement from both a skills and legal perspective. Feedback can be provided in written, oral, or a combination of both formats:
- Written Feedback: Includes detailed comments with examples, specifying what was handled well and areas needing improvement.
- Oral Feedback: Should be provided live, allowing for real-time communication and clarification. While leaving feedback in a voice message format may be more convenient for a personal tutor, it is not very professional.
Why choose us? A different approach to SQE2 tutoring
We have been training foreign lawyers for almost seven years, and we understand the ins and outs of the SQE2 exam like no one else. Our scenarios accurately reflect the actual exam conditions, and sometimes, we make them slightly more challenging for training purposes. You also have the flexibility to choose different SQE2 assessments in any area of law, as well as select the date, time, and a specific personal tutor-assessor.
Expert tutors across specialisations
Our team is composed of multiple tutors, each with a strong specialisation in a different area of law. When you train with us, you get the benefit of tailored feedback from several SQE trainers, not just a single person.
Two flexible options to suit your needs
- 1-to-1 Private Coaching: Receive dedicated support from an experienced expert, focused on helping you develop the key skills needed to pass the SQE2.
- Group Sessions – Legal Theatre: For those seeking a more affordable option before committing to private 1-to-1 SQE2 tutoring, our group sessions offer a dynamic and interactive environment. Here, you can learn in a supportive setting with no risk of making mistakes. Experience the following benefits:
- Improve your skills by observing the performance of a real SQE candidate.
- Receive valuable corrective feedback from the tutor after each performance.
- Learn the rules of effective communication in a professional environment.
What sets us apart
Whether you start with a group session or go straight into 1-to-1 tutoring, we’re confident that our method of specialised, tailored feedback will provide you with the best preparation for the SQE2 exam.
Starting with a group session or a single mock exam is a cost-effective way to experience the exceptional quality of our approach firsthand.
- Multiple personal tutors – almost all our tutor-experts passed the SQE2 and also specialise in specific legal areas
- Quality control – we maintain high standards by gathering student feedback on tutors and sessions, attending mocks, and facilitating group simulations for tutors to share best practices. Regular surveys ensure we meet your expectations for quality.
- Proven success – with a track record of helping candidates pass the SQE2. Don’t just take our word for it; explore our testimonials.
Book your SQE2 private coaching
- Register on the platform – It’s free and no credit card is required
- Top up your wallet when you’re ready to book
- Schedule your mock exam with a personal tutor at a time that suits you in the booking section.
Prefer group learning? Join one of our SQE2 study groups for interactive group mocks:
