Is BPP Worth It for SQE? Honest Review 2026

Last updated: February 2026

BPP is the second-largest SQE provider in the UK and the one most frequently recommended by City law firms. But firm endorsement isn't the same as best value - and pass rates can't be independently verified. Here's what the data actually shows.

TL;DR

Verdict: Worth it if you're employer-sponsored or value structured, timetabled support. A harder sell for self-funders who'll study online.

Price: £12,200 (online) - £14,300 (classroom)

Pass rate vs national average: 68% SQE1 vs 41% national (self-reported - treat with caution)

Best alternative if price is a concern: BARBRI at £5,899

Reading time: 12 min

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What You're Paying For

BPP SQE1 + SQE2 Combined:

• Online: £12,200
• Hybrid: £13,000
• Classroom: £14,300

This is the second-highest-priced SQE provider. Compare to:

• University of Law: £15,150–£18,850 (25–30% more expensive)
• BARBRI: £5,899 (52% cheaper)
• QLTS School: £2,500 (80% cheaper)

Use our cost calculator to model your total spend including resit scenarios.

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BPP Pass Rates: The Latest Data

BPP self-reports a 68% SQE1 pass rate and 91% SQE2 pass rate.

For context, the national SRA figures are:

• SQE1: 41% (July 2025 sitting, 5,851 candidates)
• SQE2: 78% (October 2025 sitting, 1,342 candidates)

BPP vs national average:

That gap looks impressive - until you understand how these numbers are calculated. BPP's figure almost certainly counts only students who completed a high percentage of course materials and actually sat the exam. The national figure includes everyone who sat, regardless of preparation. These are not comparable on a like-for-like basis.

One number that is striking: BPP self-reports the highest SQE1 pass rate of any major provider - 4 percentage points above University of Law, at 20% lower cost.

Trend: SQE1 pass rates nationally have fallen from 53% (July 2023) to 41% (July 2025). Whether BPP's own rates have tracked this decline is not publicly disclosed.

For full historical SRA data, see our pass rates analysis.

Source badge: Based on SRA official statistics (February 2026). Provider pass rates are self-reported and unverified.

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What Does BPP Actually Cost in 2026?

Most people only look at the headline course fee. The real number is what you spend before you're qualified.

Monthly payments (if spread over 12 months):

• Online bundle: ~£1,017/month
• Classroom bundle: ~£1,192/month

These are course fees only. Study materials, travel, and any living costs for campus-based study are separate.

→ Use the calculator to model your exact scenario

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What You Actually Get

SQE1 Preparation

✅ Comprehensive digital textbooks ✅ 3,000+ practice MCQs ✅ Live online sessions and workshops ✅ Campus access (classroom and hybrid options) ✅ 4 full mock exams with individual feedback

SQE2 Preparation

✅ Skills workshops (in-person or virtual) ✅ Mock client interviews and advocacy exercises ✅ Document drafting practice ✅ Individual coaching and feedback ✅ Exam technique sessions

The Campus Offering

6 locations across the UK:

• London (Holborn)
• Manchester, Leeds, Bristol
• Birmingham, Liverpool

Campus study gives you structured classroom sessions, peer cohorts, and physical study spaces. If you study online, you're accessing the same content without campus overheads - arguably better value for the digitally self-sufficient.

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BPP's Actual Strengths

1. Highest self-reported pass rates BPP claims the highest SQE1 pass rate of any major provider - 68% vs ULaw's 64%. Even with the caveat that these figures are unverified, the direction of the gap is worth noting.

2. City firm recognition BPP has deep relationships with Magic Circle and City law firms. If your training contract is with a major London firm, your employer probably knows BPP well - and may have a preferred provider arrangement.

3. Structured, timetabled support You're not left to self-study. Scheduled sessions, tutor access, and accountability mechanisms help students who struggle with independent learning.

4. Comprehensive materials Everything's included. You won't need supplementary resources from other providers.

5. 45+ years in legal education Established long before SQE existed. They understand how to train solicitors, even if the SQE format is relatively recent.

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BPP's Actual Weaknesses

1. Still expensive ❌ At £12,200–£14,300, you're paying more than 2x BARBRI for teaching that covers the same SRA syllabus.

2. Timetabled sessions may not suit everyone ❌ If you work full-time or have irregular hours, scheduled workshops might create conflict. BARBRI or self-study offer more flexibility.

3. Unverified pass rate claims ❌ Like all providers, BPP's statistics are self-reported marketing claims - not independently audited or SRA-verified.

4. No guaranteed outcome ❌ With a 41% overall SQE1 pass rate nationally, even premium courses don't guarantee passing. You're paying for support, not results.

5. Resit costs add up ❌ If you fail, you pay £1,934 (SQE1) or £2,974 (SQE2) in SRA resit fees, plus any additional course costs.

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Is BPP Right for You?

BPP is probably the right choice if you can honestly tick 3 or more of the following:

• My employer or firm is sponsoring the course fees
• I need timetabled sessions to stay accountable
• I'm based near a BPP campus and will actually attend
• My firm has a specific relationship with or preference for BPP
• I've struggled with self-directed learning in the past
• I want live tutor access and structured feedback throughout

If you ticked 3 or more: BPP is likely a good fit. The structured support and brand recognition have real value - especially if employer-sponsored.

If you ticked fewer than 3: The same SRA syllabus is covered by every approved provider. If you're self-motivated and don't need the campus or structured sessions, you may be paying a significant premium for support you won't fully use.

→ See all provider options and compare costs

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What BPP Students Actually Said

The following is drawn from our independent student survey. Providers have no input into this data.

Overall satisfaction: [SURVEY DATA - out of 10] Would recommend: [SURVEY DATA]%

What students praised:

1. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about tutor quality]
2. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about mock exams and feedback]
3. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: positive comment about structured timetable]

What students complained about:

1. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about price vs value]
2. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about inflexible scheduling]
3. [SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: negative comment about cost relative to result]

[SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: "Tutors were excellent but I'm not sure the extra £6k over BARBRI was justified. I think I could have passed with either." - Anonymous BPP student]

[SURVEY QUOTE PLACEHOLDER: "My firm paid for it and I'd do it again. The career support and firm connections were worth it for me as an employer-sponsored student." - Anonymous BPP student]

→ Add your own BPP review

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BPP vs The Alternatives

*All pass rates self-reported by providers. Not independently verified.

Best value in each category:

• Lowest price: BARBRI (£5,899)
• Highest reported pass rate: BPP (68% SQE1)
• Most campus locations: University of Law
• Best for City firm recognition: BPP

→ See full comparison of all 7 providers

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The Numbers (For Self-Funders)

BPP vs BARBRI:

BPP vs University of Law:

For most self-funded students: the £6,301 premium over BARBRI buys live tutor access and a stronger employer brand. The 10pp reported pass rate difference is meaningful if those figures reflect reality - but they can't be independently verified.

For employer-sponsored students: BARBRI's flexibility is irrelevant if your firm has a BPP relationship. Take the preferred provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPP the best SQE provider?

BPP self-reports the highest SQE1 pass rate of any major provider (68%) and strong City law firm recognition. Whether it's "best" depends on your priorities. For pass rates and value, BPP beats University of Law on both counts. For budget, BARBRI is substantially cheaper. For London campus access and academic reputation, City University is competitive. BPP is strongest for employer-sponsored City firm students, students who need structured timetabled support, and anyone where brand recognition with major firms is important. For self-funded students planning to study flexibly online, BARBRI at £5,899 covers the same content for £6,301 less.

How much does BPP SQE cost in 2026?

The combined SQE1 and SQE2 bundle costs £12,200 (online), £13,000 (hybrid), or £14,300 (classroom). Add SRA exam fees of £4,908 and your first-attempt total is approximately £17,108 online or £19,208 in the classroom. Individual course components cost less - contact BPP for current pricing on standalone SQE1 or SQE2 courses. Payment plans are available. Resit fees are paid directly to the SRA: £967 per SQE1 paper or £2,974 for SQE2. These figures exclude any travel costs for campus attendance. Use our cost calculator to model your specific scenario.

What is BPP's SQE pass rate?

BPP self-reports a 68% SQE1 pass rate and 91% SQE2 pass rate. These are unaudited, self-reported figures - the SRA does not publish or verify provider-level pass rate data. Providers typically calculate their rates using only students who completed a high percentage of materials and actually sat the exam, not all enrolled students. The national SQE1 pass rate is 41% (July 2025) and SQE2 is 78% (October 2025). BPP's figures are the highest self-reported of any major provider, but the gap may partly reflect the characteristics of their student cohort - many of whom are employer-sponsored City firm candidates. See our full pass rates analysis for context.

Is BPP better than University of Law for SQE?

On self-reported pass rates: BPP (68% SQE1) outperforms ULaw (64%) by 4 percentage points. On cost: BPP is £2,950 cheaper for online study. On campus network: ULaw wins with 10+ locations vs BPP's 6, making it stronger for students outside major cities. For most self-funding students, BPP offers better value than ULaw - lower cost, higher reported pass rate. ULaw makes more sense if you're near a ULaw campus and will use it, or if your firm specifically has a ULaw relationship. For employer-sponsored students, follow your firm's preference.

Does BPP offer payment plans?

Yes - BPP offers payment plan options allowing you to spread course costs over multiple months. If you're enrolled as a postgraduate student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Master's Loan from Student Finance England, which can be used toward course fees - check gov.uk for current loan limits. Some law firms that sponsor students through BPP pay fees directly. For self-funded students on payment plans, budget carefully: monthly payments on the online course spread over 12 months are approximately £1,017. See our SQE funding guide for a full breakdown of financing options.

What happens if I fail SQE with BPP?

BPP provides continued access to course materials for a defined period after your original course end date (verify current terms at bpp.com). You book and pay for the resit exam directly through the SRA: £967 per SQE1 paper or £2,974 for SQE2. BPP does not refund course fees if you fail. For students who need longer to pass, check whether BPP's materials access period is sufficient - BARBRI offers lifetime access as standard, which is a meaningful advantage for students who take multiple attempts. Most students who fail on the first attempt do eventually pass on resit.

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The Verdict

Is BPP worth £12,200–£14,300?

Worth it: Yes, if...

• Your employer is covering the fees
• You need timetabled, structured sessions to stay accountable
• Your firm has a specific BPP relationship or preference
• You want live tutor access throughout your studies

Worth it: No, if...

• You're self-funding and planning to study online
• You're disciplined enough to manage self-paced study
• You need to keep total SQE costs below £12k
• Flexibility matters more than structure

Overall rating: 8/10

BPP is a genuinely strong course. The self-reported pass rates are the highest of any major provider, the materials are comprehensive, and the City firm recognition is real. What holds it back from a higher rating for self-funders is the cost: at £12,200 online, you're paying more than double BARBRI for a course that covers the same SRA syllabus. For employer-sponsored students - where firms often favour BPP - the rating is closer to 9/10.

Before you commit:

→ Calculate your exact BPP cost → Compare all 7 SQE providers side by side → See BPP's full pass rate history

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All specific figures (prices, pass rates) should be verified at bpp.com and sra.org.uk before making a financial commitment. Provider pass rate statistics are self-reported and unverified by the SRA. This review is independent - BPP has no input into this content.

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What to Read Next

SQE Pass Rates by Provider 2026 → Official SRA data and self-reported provider figures - with the context you need to interpret them properly.

Compare All 7 SQE Providers → Side-by-side comparison of every provider: price, format, pass rates, and who each one is actually for.

Calculate Your Total SQE Cost → Model your complete spend: course fees, exam fees, resit scenarios, and monthly payments.