Our Time on PASS

“PASS has been one of the most transformative experiences of my journey towards the Bar. Before joining, the profession often felt intimidating and far removed from my own circumstances. Through the scheme’s networking events, workshops and placements, I have been able to meet barristers and judges who have helped demystify the profession and give me the confidence to believe that a career at the Bar is genuinely within reach. As a result, the scheme has opened doors that would otherwise have been unavailable to me.”

“PASS showed me that the Bar, a historically elitist profession, is accessible to everyone regardless of their background. Without being on PASS, I wouldn’t have the confidence to think about applying for anything Bar-related!”

 

PASS showed me that the Bar, a historically elitist profession, is accessible to everyone regardless of their background.

 

“PASS opened doors I never imagined through incredible workshops, inspiring barristers and unforgettable experiences like visiting The Old Bailey, mock interviews and mooting for the first time. It has been an unforgettable journey of learning, lifelong friendships and personal growth, leaving me with greater confidence and an even stronger determination to join the Bar. Thank you to everyone at The Inner Temple for creating such a supportive and inspiring programme. I’m very grateful to be part of an incredible group of people.”

“The Scheme has been incredibly valuable in giving me, as someone new to the profession, real insight into the Bar and greater confidence in my career path.”

“Perhaps most importantly, PASS introduced me to an exceptional community of aspiring barristers. Alongside the professional opportunities, I have made friends for life and developed mentoring relationships that I know will continue to guide and support me as I progress towards a career at the Bar. For that, I am incredibly grateful.”

We would like to thank the numerous barristers and judges who happily gave up their Saturdays and evenings to deliver skills workshops and panel discussions to encourage the next generation of aspiring barristers. Our thanks, too, go to our partner chambers who facilitate the scholars’ mini-pupillage placements. PASS would be nothing without you all.

A SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS FIT FOR THE FUTURE:  REFLECTIONS FROM THE CHAIR

One of the greatest privileges of chairing the Scholarships and Outreach Committee over the past year has been seeing first-hand the commitment of the Inner Temple community to supporting the next generation of barristers.

Every year, the Inn provides more than £2 million in funding to the Bar Course and GDL scholars. These awards do far more than provide financial assistance: they open doors, remove barriers and enable talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to pursue a career at the Bar. Protecting the integrity of that process, while ensuring it remains accessible and fair, has been at the heart of the Committee’s work.

The past year has been one of significant progress and positive change. Our aim has not been to change tradition for the sake of change, but to ensure that our scholarship process continues to reflect the values of the Inn: excellence, fairness, opportunity and inclusion.

A key driver of our work has been the independent Equality, Diversity and Inclusion review of the scholarship process, commissioned in 2024. We were determined that this review should lead to meaningful action. Three Task and Finish Groups were established, bringing together Committee members and volunteers from across the Inn’s membership to examine the recommendations in detail. Their work on paper sifting, interview questions and outreach provided valuable insight and ensured that reforms were grounded in evidence and practical experience.

Perhaps the most significant change has been the introduction of a shortlisting paper sift for Bar Course scholarship applications. This was a decision that was carefully considered and not taken lightly. Historically, the Inner Temple interviewed every applicant, reflecting our commitment to giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their potential beyond their written application.

However, the scholarship landscape has changed. Applications have grown significantly, exceeding 500 for the first time in 2025. As numbers increased, we had to ask ourselves an important question: how do we preserve fairness when the scale of the process risks reducing the time and attention that each candidate deserves?

The answer was not simply about managing numbers. It was about improving the quality of assessment.

The independent EDI review highlighted concerns that very large interview cohorts could place pressure on panels, reduce discussion time and create inconsistencies. The introduction of a carefully designed paper sift enables us to focus interview resources where they can have the greatest impact, while ensuring that applicants with a realistic prospect of securing a scholarship continue to have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at interview.

Importantly, contextual information and mitigating circumstances remain central to the process. We recognise that achievement must always be considered in context, and the Committee remains committed to ensuring that potential is identified alongside academic and professional achievement.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this change has been the benefit it provides to both candidates and our volunteer panellists. By reducing the number of interviews, we have been able to increase the time available for panels to consider candidates after interview. This directly responds to feedback from our members, who have consistently told us that meaningful discussion is essential to making the best possible decisions.

We have also responded to one of the defining challenges of our time: the growth of artificial intelligence. Like many institutions, we have had to consider how technology affects assessment processes. Our priority has been to protect the integrity of our selection process while recognising that AI is now part of education and professional life.

To safeguard the interview process, we made the decision that Bar Course interviews should return to being held in person except in exceptional circumstances. At the same time, we recognised that accessibility matters. Introducing Leeds as an interview location for the first time, alongside our Travel Reimbursement Policy for candidates experiencing financial hardship, has helped reduce practical barriers for applicants outside London.

Our approach to AI in applications has also evolved. Rather than attempting to ignore a technology that is increasingly embedded in society, we have focused on ensuring that applicants demonstrate genuine understanding, motivation and personal insight. The Committee’s decision to permit appropriate use of AI within the application process reflects a commitment to remaining realistic, modern and forward-looking.

Alongside these reforms, we have continued to improve transparency and support for candidates. Our feedback policy means unsuccessful applicants now receive their application and interview scores, giving them meaningful information to reflect on and helping them make informed decisions about their future applications.

Outreach remains a central priority. Looking ahead, the Committee has approved a positive action programme for implementation in 2027, alongside a video project sharing the experiences of former scholars and barristers from across the Inn. Representation matters, and it is important that aspiring barristers can see the many different routes, backgrounds and journeys that lead to the profession.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the extraordinary contribution of our staff and volunteers. Their expertise, generosity and commitment make the scholarship process possible every year. We have also created more flexible opportunities for members to contribute, including through application marking roles for those who may not be able to attend interview days.

I am proud of what the Committee has achieved over the past year. We have shown that it is possible to honour the traditions of the Inn while embracing thoughtful reform. By listening, evaluating evidence and being prepared to adapt, we have strengthened our scholarship process for the future.

Our purpose remains unchanged: to identify exceptional talent and support the future advocates, judges and leaders of the Bar.

Master Saira Kabir Sheikh KC
Chair of the Scholarships and Outreach Committee