Recommendations & Conclusions
8 items
3
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
The amount of delivery time dedicated to financial education in secondary school mathematics is insufficient and does not reflect the importance of personal financial literacy or the emphasis which has been placed on it by the Government. More financial content, based on real-life, problem-solving activities, should be included within the …
Read more
The amount of delivery time dedicated to financial education in secondary school mathematics is insufficient and does not reflect the importance of personal financial literacy or the emphasis which has been placed on it by the Government. More financial content, based on real-life, problem-solving activities, should be included within the secondary mathematics curriculum.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the importance of maths for financial management, highlighting existing relevant content in the secondary curriculum. It indicated that the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) will seek to deliver a broad curriculum. Additionally, Oak National Academy plans to release new financial education resources …
Read full response →
Department for Education
4
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government urgently reviews the contents of the mathematics curriculum from key stage 1 to key stage 4 in order to expand the provision and relevance of financial education at primary and secondary school level. This need not require a re-drawing of the national curriculum itself but …
Read more
We recommend that the Government urgently reviews the contents of the mathematics curriculum from key stage 1 to key stage 4 in order to expand the provision and relevance of financial education at primary and secondary school level. This need not require a re-drawing of the national curriculum itself but could be achieved through a model curriculum approach to enhance and enrich mathematics with financial knowledge. Whether through curriculum enhancement or reform, more financial content must be incorporated into the mathematics curricula to ensure that young people at every level are developing financial literacy as a fundamental part of their mathematical knowledge and fluency. This needs careful sequencing to deliver age- appropriate content. Whilst the Oak National Academy may prove a useful mechanism for delivering this to teachers, it should not be the only vehicle for delivering such an important development.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agreed on the importance of maths for financial management, noting existing relevant content in the curriculum. It stated that the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) will consider how to deliver a broad curriculum, and Oak National Academy will release new financial education resources …
Read full response →
Department for Education
6
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
We welcome the Government’s proposals to make mathematics compulsory learning for all students up to the age of 18. Whichever form this takes, whether through the Advanced British Standard or otherwise, the Government must ensure that the mathematics programme includes financial literacy as a fundamental part of the curriculum. The …
Read more
We welcome the Government’s proposals to make mathematics compulsory learning for all students up to the age of 18. Whichever form this takes, whether through the Advanced British Standard or otherwise, the Government must ensure that the mathematics programme includes financial literacy as a fundamental part of the curriculum. The Government should also redouble its focus on recruitment and retention of maths teachers if this aim is to be met.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government refers to the Curriculum and Assessment Review for future qualification pathways and highlights existing financial education qualifications and maths study requirements. It details ongoing financial incentives and recruitment efforts for maths teachers.
Read full response →
Department for Education
7
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
Beyond pure mathematics, as we recommend in our report on post-16 qualifications, the Department should explore means of increasing the take up of core mathematics and functional skills courses, but it should also consider offering a specific qualification in financial literacy which could fit into the Advanced British Standard as …
Read more
Beyond pure mathematics, as we recommend in our report on post-16 qualifications, the Department should explore means of increasing the take up of core mathematics and functional skills courses, but it should also consider offering a specific qualification in financial literacy which could fit into the Advanced British Standard as a minor subject. This would provide opportunities for progression for students who may not be able to take A level mathematics but show an interest or aptitude in improving their financial knowledge. This could also be a useful alternative to the GCSE retake for those who do not achieve a grade 4 or above in mathematics.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government defers to the Curriculum and Assessment Review for future qualification pathways, stating that a range of financial education qualifications already exist for 16-19 year olds. It also outlines current efforts to recruit and retain maths teachers.
Read full response →
Department for Education
9
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
Making the economic and financial elements of PSHE education statutory at primary and secondary school level appears to us to be a simple and effective way of expanding financial education at both levels and signalling the increased importance of the subject to all students.
Read more
Making the economic and financial elements of PSHE education statutory at primary and secondary school level appears to us to be a simple and effective way of expanding financial education at both levels and signalling the increased importance of the subject to all students.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government points to existing RSHE content that complements financial education and states schools are free to teach more. It will consider consultation responses on RSHE statutory guidance before making further decisions, with a broader Curriculum and Assessment Review also underway.
Read full response →
Department for Education
10
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
The Secretary of State should make regulations, using powers under section 35 of the Children and Social Work Act 2017, to provide for the personal and societal elements of financial education to be taught compulsorily in schools.
Government response AI summary
The government stated that existing RSHE and maths curricula already include complementary financial education content and that schools are free to teach more. It will consider consultation responses for RSHE guidance and await the outcomes of the wider Curriculum and Assessment Review before setting out …
Read full response →
Department for Education
21
Conclusion
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
The OECD’s internationally renowned PISA assessments, which examine the education performance of children in different subjects, include an assessment of financial education; England and each of the UK nations has currently opted out of participating in this. The Minister told us that this was to reduce the burden on teachers …
Read more
The OECD’s internationally renowned PISA assessments, which examine the education performance of children in different subjects, include an assessment of financial education; England and each of the UK nations has currently opted out of participating in this. The Minister told us that this was to reduce the burden on teachers and because, in his view, participation in the mathematics section of PISA was sufficient. Whilst we accept that there is some correlation between outcomes for the mathematics and financial literacy PISA assessments, results in the former do not necessarily reflect performance in the latter. Participating in the financial literacy assessment would demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving financial education in England and give the subject more prominence. The emphasis that the Prime Minster has placed on financial literacy surely means he should want the UK to be showing a lead in this area. If other devolved nations chose to follow such an approach it would allow for useful and valuable comparisons between them and the English system.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government explained that financial literacy is not an option for the PISA 2025 cycle due to burdens on schools, but committed to consider participation in the 2029 cycle after mid-2026 when more information is available from the OECD. This consideration may include piloting the …
Read full response →
Department for Education
22
Recommendation
Third Report - Delivering effective fin…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government applies to participate in the next PISA financial literacy assessment scheduled for 2025 and engages with the devolved administrations to encourage them to do likewise. (Paragraph 81) Delivering effective financial education 29
Read more
We recommend that the Government applies to participate in the next PISA financial literacy assessment scheduled for 2025 and engages with the devolved administrations to encourage them to do likewise. (Paragraph 81) Delivering effective financial education 29
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that financial literacy is not an option for PISA 2025 due to it being replaced. It will consider participation in the 2029 cycle after mid-2026 and commits to discussing future involvement with devolved administrations.
Read full response →
Department for Education