Select committee: Education Committee

Recommendation 6

Third Report - Delivering effective financial education Published 22 May 2024 Paragraph 29 Addressed to Department for Education
Recommendation (the committee's words)
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.

From: Education Committee, Third Report - Delivering effective financial education (HC 265), paragraph 29, 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