England: Bar regulator moots three new paths to qualification

The first option in the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) Future Bar Training Consultation is the “evolutionary” approach, which would preserve the current system of academic study, vocational training and pupillage, but with some additions.

Its second proposal is the “managed pathways approach” which would involve a number of ways to qualify, akin to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s suggestions for the other branch of the profession.

Under this system, the LLB and BPTC, or the latter and the pupillage, could be fused. Alternatively, a modular apprenticeship would lead to qualification.

The third proposal is called the “specialist Bar” option and would see students pass the Bar Course Aptitude Test before sitting a new exam: the Bar Entrance Exam (BEE).

The BSB said: “This examination would cover knowledge and understanding of academic and vocational learning.

“Students may prepare for this exam in any way they choose.”

However, unlike the super-exam mooted for solicitors, passing the BEE would not result in qualification but would be followed by a three-month skills course and a pupillage, or a combined version of the two.

According to the BSB, the skills course might cost “as much as £12,000 at a London location”. This is £7,000 less than the maximum £19,000 that can be charged for the BPTC, which lasts nine months.

The BSB favours the managed pathways option. It stated: “We think that this would be the best approach for ensuring that education and training providers can develop and offer more flexible modes of study so that that students are able to train in a way that suits them best.”

The consultation ends on 23 December.