How SQE2 is marked: A–F grades, the 300/500 pass mark, and station scoring

SQE2 is graded by trained assessors against the SRA's published Performance Indicators. Here is how the grades, the score, and the pass mark actually work.

The A–F grading scale (and what each grade means)

Each assessment criterion is graded A–F: A superior, B clearly satisfactory, C marginal pass, D marginal fail, E clearly unsatisfactory, F poor. Grades convert to marks, with A worth 5 and F worth 0 and the grades in between scaling accordingly (SRA).

How grades become a score out of 500

Every candidate's result is placed on a 0–500 scale with the pass mark always at 300. For SQE2, this scaled-score reporting began with the January 2025 sitting (SRA).

Skills and law are weighted equally

Within each station the criteria form a skills score and a law (application of legal knowledge) score, combined with equal weighting. Across SQE2 as a whole, skills and law carry equal weight — you cannot coast on legal knowledge alone (SRA).

How the 16 stations combine into one result

SQE2 is not station-by-station pass/fail. Your result is the average of all 16 station totals against a single pass mark, so strong stations can offset weaker ones. There is one overall pass mark, not sixteen (SRA).

How the SRA sets the SQE2 pass mark (borderline regression)

The SQE2 pass mark is set using the borderline regression method — the cut score is derived from the performances assessors judge to be borderline, computed for each sitting, then a Standard Error of Measurement correction is applied and the mark placed at 300 on the 500 scale.

Note: Modified Angoff is the SQE1 method; SQE2 uses borderline regression (SRA Marking & Standard Setting Policy).

What the Performance Indicators tell you

For each skill the SRA publishes a Performance Indicators document showing what competent and non-competent performance looks like against each criterion — the same standard trained assessors mark to. Kellys grades your answers against these same published indicators, indicator by indicator.

Frequently asked questions

How is SQE2 marked?

Trained assessors grade each criterion A–F on a global professional judgement; grades become marks (A=5, F=0), skills and law are weighted equally, then averaged across 16 stations against one pass mark (SRA).

What is the SQE2 pass mark?

All results sit on a 0–500 scale with the pass mark placed at 300 (SRA).

What do A to F grades mean in SQE2?

A superior, B clearly satisfactory, C marginal pass, D marginal fail, E clearly unsatisfactory, F poor (SRA).

Are skills and law weighted equally in SQE2?

Yes — within each station and across the assessment, skills and application of law carry equal weight (SRA).

Do you have to pass every SQE2 station?

No. SQE2 averages all 16 stations against a single pass mark, so stronger stations can offset weaker ones (SRA).

More SQE2 guides

Grade a real answer against the SRA’s indicators.

Practise against the same A–F indicators — your first written attempt is free.