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Only one-third of students who pass the Bar training course secure a pupillage, according to figures released from the regulator.
The Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) data showed that 35% of all UK and EU domiciled graduates enrolled on the Bar Professional Training Course in the academic years commencing in 2011-13 have gained pupillage since completing the course, which costs up to £18,000.
The number of women securing pupillage is now similar to that of men although more women than men take the course. The BSB said that white candidates may also be more successful than those from ethnic minority backgrounds, though it said more research is needed on the subject.
BSB director of education and training, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, said: ‘We are very aware that training to become a barrister can be expensive. We hope that the publication of today’s statistics will help students considering a career at the Bar to make a fully informed decision.’
He added: ‘When considering these statistics, I urge people not to look at any one factor or chart in isolation. There are many variables in play, and we intend our report to be considered in its entirety.’
Meanwhile, a PhD study Professional Intervention, Social Mobility and Access to the Legal Profession, funded by Keele University and Inner Temple, showed that students from non-traditional backgrounds continue to face serious challenges to access the profession, despite the efforts of the profession, universities and others. Poor careers advice and money worries were key issues raised by students questioned, who had taken part in the Pegasus Access and Support Scheme or Pathways to Law programme.
Only one-third of students who pass the Bar training course secure a pupillage, according to figures released from the regulator.
The Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) data showed that 35% of all UK and EU domiciled graduates enrolled on the Bar Professional Training Course in the academic years commencing in 2011-13 have gained pupillage since completing the course, which costs up to £18,000.
The number of women securing pupillage is now similar to that of men although more women than men take the course. The BSB said that white candidates may also be more successful than those from ethnic minority backgrounds, though it said more research is needed on the subject.
BSB director of education and training, Dr Simon Thornton-Wood, said: ‘We are very aware that training to become a barrister can be expensive. We hope that the publication of today’s statistics will help students considering a career at the Bar to make a fully informed decision.’
He added: ‘When considering these statistics, I urge people not to look at any one factor or chart in isolation. There are many variables in play, and we intend our report to be considered in its entirety.’
Meanwhile, a PhD study Professional Intervention, Social Mobility and Access to the Legal Profession, funded by Keele University and Inner Temple, showed that students from non-traditional backgrounds continue to face serious challenges to access the profession, despite the efforts of the profession, universities and others. Poor careers advice and money worries were key issues raised by students questioned, who had taken part in the Pegasus Access and Support Scheme or Pathways to Law programme.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
