As Talk Money Week highlights the importance of financial literacy, a new survey by the financial education charity Young Enterprise reveals that 9-in-10 UK teachers believe financial education should extend beyond maths lessons.
The survey, conducted by Teacher Tapp, underscores a broad consensus among educators on the need to integrate financial learning across various subjects, including PHSE and Citizenship.
The findings show a consistent attitude among both primary and secondary teachers, across state-funded and fee-paying schools. While acknowledging the foundational role of maths, many teachers advocate for a more interdisciplinary approach to equip students with practical financial skills. This broadening responsibility aims to better prepare young people for real-world financial challenges.
Russell Winnard, Chief Operating Officer of Young Enterprise and a former teacher, points out the limitations of the current curriculum. “Too often, questions to the Government about how they can do more to support young people’s financial capability are consistently routed back to maths provision, with limited consideration of the role of other subjects in developing financial capability,” he states.
The Call for Curriculum Reform
A decade after financial education became a compulsory part of the English National Curriculum, the debate over its effective implementation continues. The recent survey highlights the need for a curriculum review to recognise financial education as more than a mathematical skill. Winnard stresses that training and resources for effective delivery are available but underutilised due to the narrow framing of financial education within maths.
“The Curriculum and Assessment review is a rare opportunity to elevate financial education without overburdening teachers,” Winnard adds, emphasising the importance of explicit Government recognition of financial education’s interdisciplinary nature.
Impact of Applied Financial Learning
Young Enterprise’s initiatives in disadvantaged schools demonstrate the tangible benefits of a broader approach to financial education. Teachers in these schools report significant positive impacts, with 80% noting improved learning attitudes and 67% observing better quality student work when financial learning is applied practically.
This evidence supports the argument for integrating financial education across the curriculum, allowing students to connect financial concepts with real-life applications. The results suggest that a holistic approach can enhance both engagement and comprehension, ultimately fostering more financially capable young adults.
The push for a comprehensive financial education strategy is clear. By expanding beyond traditional maths lessons, educators can provide students with the essential skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
