A small change that could make a big difference in SQE2 exams
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has confirmed that a spell check tool will be trialled in the SQE2 written assessments from the July 2026 sitting.
On the surface, it looks like a minor update. In reality, for candidates sitting one of the most demanding professional exams in England and Wales, even small adjustments to the exam environment can have a meaningful impact.
SQE2 is not just about knowing legal rules. It is about applying them under pressure in realistic tasks such as legal writing, drafting, and advising clients. Candidates are expected to produce clear and professional answers while managing strict time limits. In that context, even small improvements to accuracy and presentation can help reduce unnecessary stress.
What is actually changing
The spell check tool will be available on the Pearson exam platform used for SQE2 written assessments. It will only identify spelling errors. It will not correct grammar, suggest legal content, or assist with structuring answers.
The core assessment standards remain unchanged. Candidates will still be marked on legal accuracy, clarity, and professional communication. The tool is simply there to support basic presentation, not to influence legal reasoning.
Why this matters for candidates
Although this is a technical update, it reflects a wider recognition of what SQE2 is trying to test. The focus is on practical legal skills rather than perfect written presentation.
SQE2 already requires candidates to complete multiple demanding tasks under time pressure. Removing the need to worry about simple spelling mistakes allows candidates to concentrate more fully on legal analysis and client focused writing.
For those balancing work, study, and preparation, even small reductions in cognitive load during the exam can make a noticeable difference.
The SQE Lizard view
At SQE Lizard, we see this as part of a gradual shift in legal education towards assessing real world legal competence in a more practical way.
The SQE was designed to test how candidates perform in realistic scenarios. Updates like this support that aim by making sure the assessment focuses on legal thinking and application rather than avoidable technical errors.
With upcoming SQE2 sittings, candidates will still need strong preparation, clear structure, and solid legal knowledge. However, changes like this may help ensure that performance is judged more on legal ability and less on minor presentation issues that do not reflect real solicitor work.