This page explains the role of Authorised Education and Training Organisations (AETOs) and sets out how to apply to become a provider of vocational training for the Bar (AETO).
In April 2019, we published an Authorisation Framework which sets out the standards that an organisation must meet in order to be authorised to provide education and training for the Bar. We will use the Authorisation Framework as the basis for our decisions on who becomes Authorised Education and Training Organisations (AETOs).
AETOs are authorised to deliver one or all components of training for the Bar through one of four approved training pathways. The term 'AETO' does not include those who deliver only the academic component of training.
How to apply
Providers of academic and/or vocational training for the Bar
If you are an organisation that wants to deliver vocational or integrated academic and vocational training for the Bar, you must meet the criteria for authorisation set out in the Authorisation Framework. You will need to apply for authorisation as an AETO using the link below. Guidance is available in the portal to help you to understand the type of evidence that should be submitted with an application. It is also available here.
Providers of academic and/or vocational training for the Bar can apply for authorisation through the MyBar portal. If you have any questions about the process, please contact [email protected].
We will publish the details of any vocational or integrated academic and vocational AETOs who have been authorised or conditionally authorised on our website. We will also publish the details of anyone who has expressed a formal intention to submit an application.
Cost of applications
For all providers of academic and/or vocational training, a flat fee of £250 will be charged to cover the cost of an initial review of the application. The output of this initial review will be an estimate indicating what further steps we will need to take to be satisfied that the application meets the requirements as set out in the Authorisation Framework.
We anticipate that in many cases, the application itself will suffice with no further steps (or assessment costs) required. However, should we require more information from you due to the complexity or scale of your proposed training pathway, indicative costs for the steps we will need to take to help us assess your proposal include:
- Staff Time @ up to £500 per day;
- Expert Advisor Time @ up to £400 per day;
- Travel and other costs actually incurred.
AETOs providing training for the academic and vocational (integrated) or vocational components will be charged a per-capita fee of £870 for initial authorisation and, in subsequent years, a per-capita charge for each intake of students for authorisation to deliver the vocational component of training and to cover our operational and ongoing costs. Where the vocational component is split into two parts, as in the four-step pathway outlined in the Authorisation Framework, the per-capita fee will be split, into £575 for part one and £295 for part two of the vocational component. From September 2022 the per capita fee will change to £705 and where the vocational component is split into two parts, £470 for part one and £235 for part two.
Contact us
If you have any questions about anything on this page, please contact us: [email protected]
Concerns about an AETO?
If you have a concern about an organisation that delivers vocational training for barristers, please read our guidance on reporting a concern.
Also of interest:
Our Supervision Strategy and Framework
Our Bar Qualification Manual - Part 3
