English language tests before being accepted at Bar school

I read today that aspiring barristers will have to prove their fluency in English before being offered a place at Bar school.  The pilot exams – aimed at preventing applicants with mediocre linguistic abilities from winning a place – will be introduced later this month and will also test analytical and critical thinking skills.

The tests have come about due to complaints that many students on the £14,000 – £15,000 course are unable to express themselves coherently.  A survey in 2008 by trainee barristers revealed that a number of their fellow students lacked the linguistic ability to be good courtroom advocates.  The report highlighted deficiencies among both native and not-native speakers, including an “inability to speak fluently, with close attention to grammar, vocabulary and syntax, and an inability to write clear, correct and well-structured English prose”.

Baroness Deech, who chairs the Bar Standards Board, has told young barristers the profession needs to sift out linguistic stumblers, just as “the tone-deaf are not admitted to music school, nor are the two left-footed to ballet school”.

As always, students’ views are welcome