We have produced some FAQs which are available via our Service Update Page which also provides information on our current processing times.

If you are unsure of your current PTO or AETO status, please contact the Authorisations Team and we will be able to check for you.

Have we got the right contact details for your organisation?

We are unable to send you the latest information relating to AETO transitional arrangements without a current email address. Please contact the team via email at [email protected] to advise us of any changes.


The transitional arrangements will end on 31 March 2024.

In recognition of how long it can take to develop your application to become an AETO, for us to process it, and for you to respond to any questions we may have, we have extended the timescale by which you must complete the transition until 31 March 2024.

Please be assured that your current authorisation will remain valid until we transition your chambers/organisation to AETO status or until 31 March 2024, whichever is sooner. 

Current PTO authorisation will expire on 31 March 2024. Only organisations authorised as an AETO will be able to continue to deliver pupillage, and recruit new pupils, after this date.

If you have any questions about the process, do contact the Authorisations Manager.

Pupillage advertising and recruitment during the transitional period

While awaiting the decision on your AETO transition application, you can continue to recruit and deliver pupillage as usual.

You must recruit in accordance with the Mandatory Timetable to recruit pupils, deliver work-based learning (pupillage) in accordance with the Authorisation Framework and assess pupils against the Professional Statement.

How to apply

The deadline for submission of applications to transition from PTO to AETO status is 31 March 2024.

Whether you intend to continue to provide pupillage (work-based learning) or not, we want to hear from you. If you are yet to begin your application via MyBar, please contact us to discuss your intentions. If we do not hear from you by 31 March 2024, we will assume that you no longer wish to provide pupillage and your PTO authorisation will expire on that date.

We hope that you have found the online application process accessible (including the upload of supporting documents such as your Pupillage Policy or Pupil Assessment Sheets). If you have encountered any technical issues with the online form, or would like further support and guidance from us, then contact us via email at [email protected] with the subject header “AETO Support”.

DOWNLOAD OUR MYBAR APPLICATION GUIDANCE

Already applied for authorisation as an AETO?

We are pleased to hear that you intend to continue to deliver pupillage (work-based learning).

If you have already submitted your application, we are grateful for your continued patience while we work through all applications and resolve queries or request further information. Your application will be assigned to an officer for assessment and we are grateful for prompt responses to any queries that we raise or additional information that we require. 

Decided not to offer pupillage (work-based learning)?

If you no longer wish to offer work-based learning (pupillage), we would like to hear from you to learn why you have taken the decision to withdraw as a pupillage provider. Transition to AETO status does not cost anything, although if you wish to apply after your PTO authorisation has expired in March 2024, your application will attract a flat fee of £250.

If you are unsure whether you wish to continue providing pupillage or how to transition to an AETO please contact the Authorisations Manager to arrange an informal discussion about how these arrangements affect you.

 

Please do provide any feedback about this page to us via email at [email protected] with the subject header “Feedback” – we are keen to make the page work for all our stakeholders and your suggestions are welcomed.