In the wake of the UK government’s Autumn Budget announcement, which brings renewed focus on national priorities including the economy and financial wellbeing, JFF is calling on primary school Headteachers to help shape financial education for the next generation. By completing a quick, three-question survey, Headteachers can share their insights and help develop resources that build essential financial skills in young learners across the UK.

Financial education: more than maths

With a government focus on school curriculum and financial wellbeing in national conversations, now is the perfect time to ensure that financial education is given priority in classrooms, helping children develop healthy relationships with money from a young age. JFF’s call for insights aims to gather Headteachers’ input on current challenges and opportunities in delivering these life skills, while supporting the national curriculum review’s potential to strengthen financial education in schools.

Laura Halloran, JFF’s Head of Financial Education, explains the significance of this effort:

“Despite the dedication of educators across the nation, many young students still miss out on high-quality financial education because there is insufficient support. Headteachers’ insights are essential to making sure our financial education resources are practical, relevant, and tailored to the unique needs of primary schools. If we aim to equip the next generation with true financial confidence, we must invest in financial education now. This means focusing not only on maths and numeracy but also fostering critical thinking and helping young learners understand the link between money and emotions.”

A call to action for Headteachers

JFF’s call for input builds on its recent consultation with educators, including a 2023 report on financial education in Alternative Provision settings, which found that children in vulnerable circumstances often miss out on essential money skills. To help bridge these gaps, the charity encourages Headteachers from all locations and school settings to contribute to both the survey and the government’s call for evidence, ensuring every child has access to foundational financial education.

A Deputy Headteacher from South Yorkshire, highlighting the need for early financial literacy, said, “Children cannot afford not to learn about managing money and available investment options. In areas of high deprivation, it’s our responsibility to show children positive financial role models and guide them toward financial knowledge that can shape their futures.”

For more information on JFF’s work supporting educators and its latest impact report, please visit Our Impact page.