Pupil survey report 2025

This report is generated from our annual survey of pupils. We use this survey to inform our work supporting pupils, pupil supervisors, chambers and employers. Outcomes specifically influence our policy positions, our guidance for the profession and pupils, as well as our training. 

Key findings 

• 90% of respondents reported a positive experience of pupillage (up 4% from 2024) with 8 in 10 feeling well supported by chambers/their employer (this is the same as last year) 

• Most found the pupillage recruitment process challenging - 39% secured pupillage in the first round compared to 14% in 4 or more rounds 

• 20% disclosed a disability:  

  • 14% were neurodivergent (including being autistic and difficulties learning concentrating and remembering) - representing 71% of those disclosing a disability 

  • Disabled pupils are most likely to be unsatisfied with their supervision and their pupillage

  • Just 45% of disabled pupils see their career as viable, compared to 65% of non-disabled pupils  

• Median working hours were 41-50 hours per week (38%), down from 44% in 2024 

• 88% reported stress levels as ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ (up from 82% in 2024)  

• The median pupillage award was £30,000-39,999, the same as reported in 2024 

• The median anticipated debt level is also unchanged at £50,000-59,999 but up from £40,000-49,999 in 2022 

• As in 2024, men (25%) are twice as likely as women (13%) to have pupillage awards of £60,000 or more 

• 17% reported personal experience of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, down from 18% in 2024 and 19% in 2022. Including ‘observation’ of bullying harassment and discrimination this figure rises to 28% (26% in 2024)

• A third of pupils would recommend the profession as a career path. This is down against 2024 

• The Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) Ethics Exam was widely criticised as unfair and stressful. Pupils said it was poorly administered and unnecessary as it duplicates prior training from the Bar course  

• Common complaints were excessive last-minute workloads, poor scheduling, and lack of work-life boundaries. Pupils said health concerns and caring responsibilities were made harder by inflexible working conditions and unclear sick leave policies

• Numerous pupils expressed confusion or lack of support regarding interim practice certificates; travel reimbursements; tax, insurance, and VAT (with requests for clearer onboarding information and consistent regulatory guidance) 

Recommendations 

Our findings suggest that more work needs to be done to:  

• Remind chambers to respond/provide feedback to those making pupillage applications 

• Encourage Authorised Education and Training Organisations (AETOs) to adopt better practice in relation to pupil wellbeing and increase support for those with caring responsibilities 

• Ensure pupils have access to clear and early guidance with practice administration 

• Improve the BSB Ethics Exam 

Previous Pupil survey reports

• Pupil survey report 2024
• Pupil survey report 2022

For further resources, guidance and support, have a look at our Becoming a barrister hub.