English language competence is a requirement of the Professional Statement and applies to all barristers. We require evidence of English language competence at the start of the application.
When you submit a application, you are asked to provide evidence that you meet the required standard of English language competence.
If you have an open application:
We have emailed applicants who need to provide evidence that they meet the required standard of English language competence to continue with their application.
If you have been contacted, please submit your evidence using our English language competence evidence form. If you do not respond by the 17 November 2026, your application will be closed and you will not be issued a refund.
If you withdraw your application and have paid an application fee, you may be eligible for a refund, minus an administration fee of £250. To request a refund, complete the form and provide your bank details.
Refunds will be processed by the end of March 2027 and will stop after this time.
