Graduate programmes

Opportunities for people who have recently completed a degree course to build a career at the Bank

Trainee Solicitor Development Programme

This is designed for students looking to gain on-the-job experience at the heart of the UK's central bank, while working toward qualifying through a graduate solicitor apprenticeship.

Apply for the Trainee Solicitor Development Programme

This could be right for you if you are:

  • keen to launch your legal career
  • eager to qualify as a solicitor at the UK's central bank
  • looking to build your network and be considered for future roles at the Bank of England

We are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

To apply, you must:

  • be predicted to or have achieved one of the following no more than three years before the programme start date: a 2.1 UK law degree; or a 2.1 non-law degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL); or a law degree from a non-UK jurisdiction and a PGDL
  • have not already completed a Legal Practice Course or Solicitor Qualifying Examinations 1 or 2
  • comply with any Solicitors Regulation Authority character and suitability requirements

  • What to expect

    You will receive a bespoke induction and training programme for the Bank's trainee solicitors, as well as access to a wide range of training opportunities within the Legal Directorate. You will regularly receive training from experts from across the Bank, as well as external speakers from the Government, other regulators (such as the Financial Conduct Authority), overseas authorities and the private sector.

    We will introduce you to a unique combination of public and private law issues. We work on legal matters related to:

    • financial services regulation 
    • banking and payments
    • insolvency and restructuring
    • litigation
    • the UK's central bank

    How you could develop

    On the programme you will:

    • enrol on a paid-for course at the University of Law (ULaw) to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE1 and SQE2)
    • spend 20% of your working week studying with ULaw and 80% of your week working in Legal
    • have the opportunity to qualify as a solicitor at the UK’s central bank and you can earn as you learn
    • receive study leave around exam periods
    • complete a mix of six and twelve-month rotations across three or more divisions of the directorate – giving you experience in central banking, financial stability, enforcement and litigation and insurance and deposit takers
    • have access to a wide range of induction and training opportunities, and support from a highly experienced legal team

    After passing your SQE and completing work experience, you will be eligible to become a solicitor registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (subject to meeting relevant character and suitability requirements). At this point, we would welcome you to apply for jobs in the Bank as a newly qualified lawyer. 

Graduate Development Programme

We are scoping business requirements for this programme. We will update this page in due course.

This is designed for recent graduates who are looking to start their career at the heart of the UK's economy.

Applications are closed but you can register your interest for our 2026 opportunities . 

This could be right for you if you are:

  • keen to learn about what we do and gain practical experience
  • eager to gain a unique insight into the workings of the UK's central bank
  • looking to build your network and pursue a career at the Bank of England

We are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

To apply, you must have:

  • achieved, or be predicted to achieve, a 2.1 degree classification
  • achieved 120 UCAS points from three A levels (or equivalent)

Actuarial Development Programme

This programme is not open for applications during the 2025/26 recruitment round. You can find out more about our other graduate opportunities on this page, or visit our careers page for other vacancies.

This is designed for students who have recently completed a numerical degree and are looking to start their career as an actuary at the heart of the UK's economy.

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This page was last updated 15 December 2025