Financial education should be a standalone subject

clock

The Conservatives have suggested financial education is taught as a standalone subject to 11-18 year olds, rather than bolted onto GCSE maths, while making more use of IFAs.

Speaking at the Conservative Party Debt Summit, Shadow Chancellor George Osborne says the government should be doing much more to promote financial literacy teaching in schools. He states: “The government has recently pledged to introduce financial literacy to the GCSE maths curriculum. After nine years, this is at least a step in the right direction. But as the ifs School of Finance has pointed out, that could equate to less than four hours a year over two years – far too little to make a real impact on behaviour.” Osborne says he wants financial literacy to be taught to all 11-18 ye...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

'No news is good news': Spring Statement stability welcomed

'No news is good news': Spring Statement stability welcomed

‘This was a low-key event, especially for pensions’

Jenna Brown
clock 03 March 2026 • 4 min read
FCA opens targeted support authorisation gateway

FCA opens targeted support authorisation gateway

Firms can now apply for permission to provide targeted support

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 March 2026 • 2 min read
Nearly two million rely on unvetted influencers for financial advice

Nearly two million rely on unvetted influencers for financial advice

Around 7.7 million UK consumers have followed social media advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 March 2026 • 3 min read