Pupil survey report 2026

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

• 83% of respondents said that their overall experience of pupillage had been positive – more than half (56%) said it was ‘very positive’
• Nearly a third (30%) of disabled pupils were ‘negative’ about their pupillage experience compared to 13% of those without a disability
• 4 in 10 successfully secured pupillage after one application round, 48% took two or three application rounds and 16% took 4 or more rounds
• For the first time, we asked about pupillage induction. The majority (77%) were satisfied, but neurodivergent pupils were twice as likely to indicate that they were either ‘not satisfied’ or ‘neutral’ with their induction
• Nearly three quarters of pupils (72%) said that a career at the Bar was ‘viable’ going forward – a 10% improvement compared to last year
• A lack of work-life balance was the main reason given for a career not being viable. This was raised as an issue more among women and disabled pupils
• Overall incidents of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination appear to be falling. 21 pupils (18%) said they had witnessed or experienced these behaviours, a reduction from 28% in 2025 and 26% in 2024

What does the Bar Council do with the findings from this survey?

We track pupils’ experience of pupillage and use the information to inform training and guidance provided to chambers/employers.

Specifically, we consider:

• Changes required by AETOs to improve recruitment practices (and associated literature) as well as onboarding, via our training and guidance
• Feedback on the Pupillage Gateway informs development of the platform
• Improvements needed in pupillage supervision (we provide pupillage supervisor training)
• Improving wider pupil support (eg wellbeing services) by the Bar Council and chambers
• Data on bullying and harassment supports the work of the Bar Council’s Commissioner for Conduct
• Financial information and perceptions of a viable career informs our work with government and others, specifically on behalf of the publicly funded Bar

We continue to work closely with AETOs through our regular engagement to promote good practice in recruitment. We are incorporating more guidance into our Starting at the Bar guide and other support we offer pupils as they begin their pupillage. We have shared pupils' feedback on the Ethics Exam with the Bar Standards Board.

Previous Pupil survey reports

• Pupil survey report 2025
• Pupil survey report 2024
• Pupil survey report 2022

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