Financial Education Becomes Compulsory for Primary Schools in 2028 — And We Couldn't Be Happier

In November 2025, the UK Government officially confirmed that financial education will become compulsory for all primary school children from September 2028 as part of a major overhaul of the national curriculum. This landmark decision follows the Curriculum and Assessment Review led by Becky Francis, which highlighted financial literacy as one of the most urgently needed life skills for young people today.

For the first time, children as young as five will learn essential money skills in a structured, meaningful way — from budgeting and saving to understanding the value of money and recognising financial risks. Primary pupils will also learn more about “the fundamentals of money” as part of updated citizenship teaching.

At Money Smart Kids, we couldn’t be more delighted.

Why This Change Matters

For years, financial education has been inconsistent across primary schools. Many teachers have felt under‑resourced and unsupported when teaching money topics, with some pupils receiving no financial learning before secondary school. Research shared in the national review revealed that only a third of young people remember learning about money at school, highlighting the need for earlier, stronger intervention.

The new reforms ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, will receive high‑quality financial education that prepares them for real life.

This includes teaching children about:

• budgeting
• managing money
• simple interest
• saving habits
• digital payments
• mortgages and other bigger financial ideas introduced gradually

For many children, this will be the first time they learn how money truly works — and that’s a huge step forward.

Why We’re So Pleased at Money Smart Kids

Financial literacy has always been at the heart of our mission. We believe every child deserves the skills, confidence and understanding to make good financial choices as they grow.

This change aligns perfectly with what we work for every day.

Here’s why we’re celebrating:

⭐ 1. Early intervention works

Children form money habits as early as seven years old. Teaching good money management early gives them healthy attitudes for life.

⭐ 2. Teachers will now receive the structure they need

The updated curriculum means teachers will have clearer guidance, expectations and support — something schools have been asking for.

⭐ 3. Financial education becomes a priority, not an optional extra

By embedding these lessons into the national curriculum, money skills gain the importance they deserve.

⭐ 4. It levels the playing field for all children

Every child — regardless of background — will have the same foundation in money skills, improving future financial confidence and reducing inequalities.

How Money Smart Kids Is Here to Support Schools

With the new curriculum arriving in 2028, schools will have four terms to prepare once the final guidance is published in 2027.

But the good news is you don’t have to wait.

We already offer:

• workshops for KS1 & KS2, aligned with the skills highlighted in the review
• digital packs for nationwide access
• teacher notes, activity sheets and take‑home resources
• clear links to curriculum expectations

We’re ready to help schools transition smoothly into the new requirements — and give children the strongest possible start.

A Brighter Financial Future Begins Here

The decision to make financial education compulsory is a historic step — one that will reshape the confidence and capability of the next generation.

At Money Smart Kids, we are proud to be part of this journey.
We’ve always believed that money skills are life skills — and now, they’re finally being recognised at a national level.

2028 can’t come soon enough.

If you’d like support introducing financial education in your school today, we’d love to help.