After two years of consultation, candidates for the 2011 Bar
Professional Training Course (BPTC) will finally have to sit an aptitude test (including English language skills).
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has been attempting to add such a test to the application process since the release of a working party report chaired by Derek Wood QC in 2008. In 2006, 1,932 students enrolled on the BVC, fighting for 471 pupillages. In light of such over-supply, Wood damning commented that "the student body includes graduates who are so far lacking in the qualities needed for successful practice at the Bar, including fluency in spoken and written English, that they would never obtain pupillage, however many pupillages were available".
It wasn't just the existence of the weaker students that troubled Wood; but also that many complained that the more able were held back, each class being only as good as its weaker members.
In response, an entrance test was recommended for all applicants. Analytical and critical reasoning were to be measured, as well as fluency in English (a problem often cited by frustrated student barristers). But just when it looked like the providers had reached a solution to over-subscription and broken dreams (as well as empty pockets), the OFT labelled the move anticompetitive, stirring up the already muddy waters. Now - finally - some kind of agreement has been reached by all concerned and the test will be piloted.
RollOnFriday spoke to the BSB, who explained that as consultation was continuing, the test for the class of 2011 will not have a pass / fail grade. Instead, the results will be used as an "advisory tool" for the BSB and the students themselves. They expect to have a fully-functioning aptitude test in place for 2012. One which applicants can actually fail. Just don't hold your breath.
Tip Off ROF
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has been attempting to add such a test to the application process since the release of a working party report chaired by Derek Wood QC in 2008. In 2006, 1,932 students enrolled on the BVC, fighting for 471 pupillages. In light of such over-supply, Wood damning commented that "the student body includes graduates who are so far lacking in the qualities needed for successful practice at the Bar, including fluency in spoken and written English, that they would never obtain pupillage, however many pupillages were available".
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The BPTC aptitude test proves too much for one aspiring barrister |
It wasn't just the existence of the weaker students that troubled Wood; but also that many complained that the more able were held back, each class being only as good as its weaker members.
In response, an entrance test was recommended for all applicants. Analytical and critical reasoning were to be measured, as well as fluency in English (a problem often cited by frustrated student barristers). But just when it looked like the providers had reached a solution to over-subscription and broken dreams (as well as empty pockets), the OFT labelled the move anticompetitive, stirring up the already muddy waters. Now - finally - some kind of agreement has been reached by all concerned and the test will be piloted.
RollOnFriday spoke to the BSB, who explained that as consultation was continuing, the test for the class of 2011 will not have a pass / fail grade. Instead, the results will be used as an "advisory tool" for the BSB and the students themselves. They expect to have a fully-functioning aptitude test in place for 2012. One which applicants can actually fail. Just don't hold your breath.