BPTC Could Be Split Into Two Parts

The BSB is considering, among other options, conducting the first part of the BPTC online, with only the most talented students proceeding to the second stage. This may make the course cheaper (fees currently reach £18,000) whilst also raising entry standards. The latter concern was raised in The Rivlin Report, published last week, where it was stated that “the entry standards to the BPTC must be raised “to ensure that only those with a realistic chance of a career at the Bar undertake it”. Indeed, some 3,000 students battle it out for a pupillage every year, despite there being only just over 15,000 barristers in the country.  

Alistair MacDonald QC believes that if the BPTC were broken up into parts, it would result in an improvement in diversity in the profession, given that less affluent students can be deterred by the ever-increasing fees.