Select committee: Education Committee

Conclusion 2

Third Report - Delivering effective financial education Published 22 May 2024 Paragraph 15 Addressed to Department for Education
Conclusion (the committee's words)
Effective financial education needs to begin early, during primary school years. We have heard evidence that the limited provision of financial education in primary school mathematics does not adequately prepare children for the fast-changing financial world in which they increasingly participate. Building a strong foundation for financial education at primary school would also ensure that as children develop their cognitive abilities and a sense of delayed gratification, they will do so informed by good financial practice.

From: Education Committee, Third Report - Delivering effective financial education (HC 265), paragraph 15, 22 May 2024

Government response

The government responded to the whole report on 16 January 2025 (deadline 22 July 2024).

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government says it will "consider" the report's findings "carefully", states that it agrees on teacher supply and teacher support, and leaves curriculum decisions to the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

  • On more financial content in the maths curriculum, the government "notes" the recommendation and says it "will consider further" the support available to schools "in the light of the CAR outcomes".
  • Oak National Academy is "expected" to make additional lessons on financial education and applying maths available "from spring 2025".
  • On financial education leads, the government says schools are "free to designate a teacher" and that it "currently has no plans" to produce guidance on appointing or supporting them.
  • On the PISA financial literacy assessment, the government says it is not offered in the 2025 cycle, but the Department "will consider participation" in the 2029 cycle "after mid-2026".

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error