.png)
Remember when saving £5 felt like a big deal? Today, children are managing apps, online payments and “buy now, pay later” offers before they’ve even learned to budget pocket money. With the cost of living squeezing families and young people alike, 2026 needs to be the year UK schools seriously teach money - not just in theory, but in ways that matter.
Inflation Isn’t Just an Adult Problem - It Affects Every Family
The cost of living in the UK has been through a prolonged squeeze. Prices rose sharply after the pandemic and, although inflation has eased from its peak, it remains well above historical norms - and many families still feel the effects in food bills, energy costs and everyday spending.
But here’s the kicker: many adults struggle to explain what inflation actually means, let alone how it affects saving, spending and borrowing. In fact, research shows that while most Brits feel confident about money, only around 40% could correctly answer a basic question about inflation.
That’s a real worry - because inflation affects the value of money over time. If pupils grow up without understanding it, they’re set adrift in a world where prices and wages don’t stand still, where real incomes can fall, and where long-term planning matters.
Government Policy Is Moving - But We Need More Urgency
The UK government has acknowledged the need for stronger financial education. Recent curriculum reviews have recommended that financial literacy be taught more consistently, including in primary schools for the first time, and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is set to ensure more state schools follow a national curriculum that includes money skills.
And just to be clear - financial education is already in the curriculum, but the delivery is patchy, and many young people still leave school without meaningful lessons in budgeting, saving or understanding inflation’s impact. Only a quarter of young adults report actually receiving financial education at school.
There is also new funding being channelled into financial inclusion and capability programmes - for example, dormant assets funding is being earmarked to help financial education and support initiatives aimed at underserved households.
But here’s the catch: policy momentum doesn’t automatically mean classroom roll-out. Unless 2026 becomes a year of action, with resources, teacher training and practical materials, we risk falling into the same pattern: a curriculum that promises money education but offers little that resonates with children’s real lives.
Why Children Want Money Education - And Why That Matters
It’s not just adults saying financial literacy matters. Studies show a huge majority of children and teenagers want to learn about money at school - many saying it’s as important as maths or English.
That matters, because pupils aren’t asking for lessons in abstract theory - they want skills they can use:
● Understanding how inflation affects prices and wages
● How to budget pocket money or earnings
● What borrowing really costs
● How to save for long-term goals
Money Lessons Should Reflect Real Economic Reality
At present, the cost of living still outpaces many pay rises, and student costs - from tuition to accommodation and food - have become another financial pressure point for young people entering adulthood.
Even higher education is being reshaped by inflation: tuition fees in England are now linked to inflation, meaning costs rise over time unless quality criteria are met - yet graduates can feel the pinch of living costs long after finishing their studies.
This all shows how interconnected money issues are: it’s not just about pocket money; it’s about real costs that young people will face throughout life.
What Schools Can Do in 2026 - Practical Ideas
Here are ThinkPieces‑friendly, practical actions that can make a difference next year:
💡 Curriculum That Talks Real Life
Bring real-world money topics into lessons: inflation, cost of living, renting vs saving, credit and debt - not just coins and notes.
💡 Hands-On Projects
From classroom budgets to savings goals, pupils learn by doing.
💡 Early Start
Primary schools can introduce simple concepts - like comparison shopping or saving jars - while older pupils tackle more complex ideas like inflation and investment basics.
💡 Teacher Training & Resources
No one becomes a financial expert overnight. Supporting teachers with ready-made, age-appropriate resources is essential.
A PieceTo Think About
Money isn’t something you can learn overnight - it’s a lifetime skill. With inflation still impacting families, government policy slowly moving in the right direction, and young people asking for more money education, 2026 is a real opportunity to make financial literacy a priority in UK schools.
Let’s make it the year that children don’t just talk about money - they understand it, manage it, and feel confident about their financial futures.
.png)
.png)