Fundamental change to the process: Pupil Supervisors no longer have to apply to their Inn for approval.
On 1 April 2019, the BSB Handbook was amended and the new Bar qualification rules came into force. In addition, on 27 March 2019, the BSB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Inns of Court, setting out the roles and responsibilities of the BSB and the Inns under the new rules.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is work undertaken over and above the normal commitments of barristers with the purpose of developing their skills, knowledge and professional standards in areas relevant to their present or proposed area of practice, and in order to keep themselves up to date and maintain the highest standards of professional practice.
There are two competitions for Major Scholarships each year:
The Inn also offers scholarships for post-Bar Course placements in overseas jurisdictions, essay prizes, support for five places on the South-Eastern Circuit Advocacy Course (‘Keble course’), and a pupillage hardship fund.
Scholarships are available for the Bar Course and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or equivalent post-graduate conversion courses. Only candidates who intend to practise at the Bar of England or Wales are eligible to apply.
These scholarships will be paid in one instalment at the start of the academic year for a full-time course.
The Middle Temple has always prided itself on its commitment to encouraging the most talented students, regardless of background. We were the first Inn to make the decision (now common practice amongst the Inns) that all candidates for scholarships should receive an interview and that financial need would be an important factor in setting the level of award.
Applications for the Bar Course Scholarships for 2020/21 are closed. Applications for the GDL Scholarships will open in mid-March 2021 and close on the first Friday of May 2021.
There are two competitions for Major Scholarships each year: one for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or equivalent conversion course, and one for the Bar Course.
Applications for both GDL scholarships and Bar Course scholarships become available on the website usually about 6 weeks before the closing date.
Bar Course Scholarships
A number of Entrance Exhibitions are awarded annually, together with the Major Scholarships; each Exhibition covers the Admission and Call Fees (currently £230).
Exhibitions for students from Oxford and Cambridge Universities are named Harmsworth Entrance Exhibitions; exhibitions for students from other universities are named Blackstone Entrance Exhibitions.
One Lord Justice Sachs Entrance Exhibition worth £500 may be awarded annually to an undergraduate or graduate of Christ Church, Oxford.
When awarding scholarships to prospective GDL and / or BPTC students, the Inn takes the following criteria into account:
The following Major Scholarships, i.e. scholarships for the BPTC and GDL years, are awarded:
The Queen’s Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to the single best candidate who demonstrates exceptional promise.
Queen Mother’s Scholarship
This fund is intended to assist outstanding candidates.
