SRA Confirms Sentencing Act 2026 Will Not Feature in April SQE2 Assessments

Why It Matters

Candidates can concentrate on material that will actually be tested, avoiding wasted preparation on post‑cut‑off legislation. Training providers and law schools can align curricula with the confirmed exam scope, preserving fairness and efficiency in the qualification pathway.

Key Takeaways

• SRA cut‑off date for April SQE2 is 28 Dec 2025.
• Sentencing Act 2026 came into force 22 Mar 2026.
• Act introduces 56‑day recall and new licence restrictions.
• SQE2 tests practical skills, not statutory updates after cut‑off.
• Candidates can focus study on pre‑December law material.

Pulse Analysis

The SRA’s decision to exclude the Sentencing Act 2026 from the April SQE2 window reflects the regulator’s strict adherence to its 28 December 2025 cut‑off for examinable law. By anchoring the syllabus to a pre‑December snapshot, the authority removes uncertainty for aspiring solicitors who otherwise might scramble to incorporate a brand‑new statute into their revision timetable. This move also underscores the SRA’s commitment to a level playing field, ensuring that every candidate is assessed against the same body of knowledge.

While the Act will not be tested this April, its substantive reforms are reshaping England and Wales’ criminal sentencing landscape. The legislation replaces the historic 14‑ and 28‑day fixed‑term recall periods with a uniform 56‑day recall for most determinate sentences, mandates suspension of custodial sentences of twelve months or less, and adds “restriction zones” and driving bans as standard licence conditions. These changes will soon become routine considerations for practising solicitors, influencing case strategy, client advice, and court submissions. Understanding the new framework will be essential for those entering the profession after the April cohort.

For candidates, law schools, and commercial SQE prep providers, the SRA clarification translates into a concrete study roadmap. Resources can be re‑allocated to deepen mastery of existing criminal law principles, advocacy techniques, and client‑interaction skills without the distraction of post‑cut‑off statutes. Looking ahead, future SQE2 sittings are likely to incorporate the Sentencing Act once the statutory horizon moves beyond the cut‑off, prompting curriculum updates and new mock‑exam content. Early awareness of these upcoming shifts enables educators and learners to stay ahead of the curve, preserving the credibility and relevance of the solicitor qualification process.