Clearly, the forgetting curve presents a problem to those of us trying to learn. How can we prevent that massive loss of information in the first few days?

The golden rule to embed new information in long-term memory is ‘spaced repetition.’ This is a study technique that involves actively testing yourself on material over increasing intervals of time.

Effective spaced repetition relies on active recall – retrieving information from your brain rather than simply recognising it on a page.

For example, after studying contract remedies, close your SQE notes and list all the types of remedies and their requirements from memory.

This process of self-testing forces your brain to work harder, creating stronger memory pathways.

Expanding Retrieval

The optimal learning schedule is one where the intervals between these active recall sessions become increasingly longer.

Take Employment Law, for instance: after learning the rules for dismissal, test yourself with some MCQs the next day, then three days later, then a week after that.

As exam day approaches and recall becomes easier, reviews can be spaced further apart.

This is called ‘expanding retrieval.’ It works because retrieving information after you’ve started to forget it requires more mental effort and allows you to go back through the consolidation process again.

Many SQE candidates find that spaced repetition helps them retain even the finer details under pressure, significantly improving their chances of passing their exams.

Repetition Tools: SQE Flashcards and Practice Questions

To implement effective spaced repetition for SQE1, you’ll need both the right techniques and a strategic review schedule.

Digital tools like Anki, Quizlet, or Brainscape, can make 'expanding retrieval' easier by automatically adjusting the review timing based on your performance, showing you what you’re struggling with more often and spacing out material you’ve mastered. 

These tools can be used to create large decks of flashcards summarising key legal concepts. As one successful SQE1 candidate noted, “I wish I’d started writing flashcards from the beginning and edited them as I went”—a solid reminder to start early rather than cramming later.

You will also find many pre-made SQE flashcard decks made by other students that are publicly available (here is one of our favourites).

Other practical recall techniques include:

• Using practice questions as a springboard for listing all the legal rules relevant to that case study
• Covering your notes and writing down what you remember
• Summarising each study session or a book chapter in one minute from memory
• Explaining complex ideas out loud, as if teaching someone else

Personalisation

As we have already emphasised, it’s important to be strategic about review frequency. The forgetting curve varies based on how well you already know the material and how difficult it is:

If you’ve already covered a topic of legal practice in Criminal Law or Business Law during an internship, a quick read-through now, followed by testing in four days and again in two to three weeks, may be enough.

More difficult or unfamiliar topics (like Property Law for many candidates) will need tighter review cycles with more frequent active recall.

To make the most of spaced repetition:

• Build an SQE revision schedule that cycles through all subjects rather than focusing exclusively on one area at a time
• Revisit each topic periodically (e.g., negligence a week after first study, then two weeks later)
• Use tools and online resources to automate review timing where possible
• Focus more frequent reviews on topics you find harder

Remember, this approach pays dividends beyond just SQE1. Since much of the material overlaps with SQE2, building it into long-term memory through spaced repetition means you won’t need to relearn everything later.

Cramming, by contrast, virtually guarantees you’ll need to start from scratch for SQE2.