What is the average difference between SQE mock exam scores and real results?

The average difference between SQE mock exam scores and real results varies significantly by provider. Our data shows students typically score 2.7% to 14.5% higher on the real exam compared to harder mocks (QLTS, Revise SQE), while scoring 4.5% to 12% lower than easier mocks (BARBRI, BPP, SRA).

This wide variation makes it essential to understand each provider's difficulty level. The key finding from our research is that no single mock perfectly replicates the real SQE exam difficulty, but understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations and prepare more effectively.

Here's how different SQE mock exam scores compare to real exam results:

• QLTS: Students score 14.5% higher on real exam (range: +5% to +22%)

• Revise SQE: Most accurate with only 2.7% difference (range: -5% to +10%)

• BPP: Students score 4.5% lower on real exam (range: -10% to -2%)

• ULaw: Students score 8% lower on real exam (range: -15% to -3%)

• BARBRI: Students score 9.1% lower on real exam (range: -15% to -2%)

• SRA Sample: Students score 12% lower on real exam (range: -20% to -5%)

How should I interpret my mock exam scores?

Interpret your mock exam scores by applying our research-based adjustments. For QLTS mocks, add 14.5% to estimate real performance. For BARBRI or BPP, subtract 9% and 4.5% respectively. Revise SQE scores need minimal adjustment, while SRA sample scores should have 12% subtracted.

Remember these are averages with significant individual variation. Your actual performance depends on factors including stress management, exam day conditions, and how representative the mock questions were of your particular exam sitting.

Mock score interpretation guide:

• QLTS 45% = likely 55-65% real exam

• Revise SQE 60% = likely 58-65% real exam

• BARBRI 75% = likely 65-70% real exam

• BPP 70% = likely 62-68% real exam

• ULaw 70% = likely 57-68% real exam

• SRA Sample 80% = likely 65-72% real exam

How much harder are QLTS mock exams compared to the real SQE?

QLTS mock exams are significantly harder than the real SQE exam. Students typically score 14.5% higher on the actual exam compared to their QLTS mock scores, with improvements ranging from 5% to 22%. Many candidates report feeling discouraged by low QLTS scores, but this difficulty level actually provides excellent preparation.

The QLTS free mock exam is particularly challenging. If you score 50% on a QLTS mock, you can expect to achieve 60-70% on the real exam. This consistent pattern makes QLTS mocks valuable for building exam resilience and over-preparing for the actual assessment.

Key characteristics of QLTS mocks:

• Questions mirror the hardest subset found in real SQE exams

• Free mock exam available for all candidates

• Excellent for stress-testing your knowledge

One candidate noted: "QLTS mocks are gold; they're harder than the real exam but invaluable for prep." Another shared: "Scoring around 50% on QLTS mocks translated to 60-70% in the real exam."

How do the Revise SQE mocks compare to real SQE exam?

Revise SQE provides the most accurate mock exams compared to real SQE results. Students score an average of only 2.7% higher on the real exam, with variations ranging from -5% to +10%. This close alignment makes Revise SQE mocks the best predictor of actual exam performance among all providers we analyzed.

The accuracy of Revise SQE mocks stems from their careful question design and format matching. If you score 60% on a Revise SQE mock, you're likely in a good position for the real exam. Their affordable pricing and wide availability have provided us with extensive data confirming this consistency.

Why Revise SQE mocks are most accurate:

• Questions closely match real exam style and difficulty

• Comprehensive coverage of SQE syllabus topics

• Available through Law Drills exam simulator

• Affordable pricing makes them accessible to most candidates

Student feedback confirms: "The 'Revise SQE' mock exams are, in my view, the closest to the actual exam questions." Another noted: "ReviseSQE books were pretty representative of the exam; if you're scoring in the 60s, you're likely in a good place."

Are SRA sample papers easier than the real SQE exam?

Yes, SRA sample papers are significantly easier than the real SQE exam. Students typically score 12% lower on the actual exam compared to SRA sample papers, with drops ranging from 5% to 20%. This makes them potentially misleading for preparation if used as the sole benchmark for readiness.

Despite being free and officially produced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, these sample questions don't accurately reflect exam difficulty. Many candidates report scoring 80-90% on SRA samples but achieving significantly lower results in the real exam.

Important notes about SRA sample papers:

• Free resource available to all candidates

• Updated in December 2024 with more representative questions

• Best used as an introduction to question format, not difficulty gauge

• Should be supplemented with harder mock exams

One candidate warned: "These are so easy compared to the actual exam to the point where it's a bit of a joke that the SRA releases them." Another advised: "Don't get sucked in by the SRA sample questions they issue - they were far easier than the actual questions on the day."

How do ULaw mock scores compare to real SQE results?

ULaw mock exams tend to be easier than the real SQE, with students typically scoring 8% lower on the actual exam. The score drops range from 3% to 15%, placing ULaw between BARBRI and BPP in terms of difficulty alignment with the real exam.

ULaw's practice questions are often praised for closely resembling the SQE's format and difficulty. Candidates reported higher scores on ULaw mocks vs. the actual SQE, but in general found the question style realistic and balanced.

ULaw mock exam characteristics:

• Extensive question bank (1,000+ questions reported)

• Questions closely match SQE format and style

• Available through app for flexible practice

• Generally considered representative of real exam

Student feedback confirms: "ULaw's questions are the most similar to the actual exam in my opinion." Another noted: "By the end, I was consistently getting ~80% in tests on the ULaw question bank, which matched my real exam scores fairly closely."

Note: We have limited data points for ULaw, so these findings should be considered indicative rather than definitive.

How do BPP mock scores compare to real SQE results?

BPP mock exams tend to be easier than the real SQE, with students typically scoring 4.5% lower on the actual exam. The score drops range from 2% to 10%, making BPP mocks moderately optimistic predictors of real performance compared to other providers.

BPP offers a question bank that covers foundational topics, although some candidates find the questions simpler than what is needed for the SQE. Issues with question bank depth (i.e. not enough) and alignment with SQE specifications (i.e. they're repurposed from other courses like the GDL and LPC) have also often been raised.

BPP mock exam characteristics:

• Questions cover basics but lack SQE-specific depth

• Limited question bank (50-70 per subject)

• Some questions repurposed from GDL/LPC courses

• Part of comprehensive course package

Student feedback reveals: "In my opinion the issue is the number of questions they provide and their difficulty: there are less questions given than with other providers (50-70ish per subject + 2 mocks of 100qs where a decent proportion of the content was unfortunately recycled) and they are easier in difficulty than the SQE1. To give an indication, I was scoring probably around 10% higher in BPP questions than the actual SQE exam."

How do BARBRI mock scores compare to real SQE results?

BARBRI mock exams tend to be easier than the real SQE, with students typically scoring 9.1% lower on the actual exam. The score drops range from 2% to 15%, making BARBRI one of the providers whose mocks give candidates a false sense of security about their preparation level.

Many students report achieving 80-90% scores on BARBRI mocks but only managing 68-71% on the real exam. While BARBRI's structured approach helps with understanding concepts, the questions don't fully match the complexity and nuance of actual SQE questions.

BARBRI mock exam characteristics:

• Part of comprehensive prep course (no standalone mocks)

• Questions simpler than actual exam complexity

• Good for learning approach but not difficulty assessment

• Candidates often seek additional harder practice questions

Student feedback reveals: "Barbri's mocks felt too easy compared to the real SQE; they gave a false sense of security." Another noted: "The Barbri questions are easier than the actual SQE questions. I wouldn't say the difference is massive but it isn't insignificant."

Key Takeaways

Understanding how SQE mock exam scores compare to real results helps you prepare more effectively and set realistic expectations. Our research shows consistent patterns across providers that you can use to your advantage.

The most important finding: no single mock perfectly replicates the real exam, but combining multiple providers gives you the best preparation. Use harder mocks to build resilience, accurate mocks to gauge readiness, and remember to adjust your expectations based on each provider's difficulty level.

Remember to practice with QLTS (free), Revise SQE (affordable), and SRA (free) mocks at minimum. This combination provides comprehensive preparation without breaking the bank.