With financial education set to become part of England’s national curriculum from 2028, CPD QS reflects on why this change matters and how accredited CPD can help schools and training providers prepare.
When the government confirmed that financial education will be taught in all schools from 2028, it felt like a long-overdue moment of progress.For years, teachers, campaigners and organisations have been calling for young people to learn the everyday money skills they will need throughout their lives. This week’s announcement finally marks the beginning of that journey.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the change as part of a wider effort to modernise learning, saying:
“It has been over a decade since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s more crucial than ever that young people are equipped to face the challenges of today, so they can seize the exciting opportunities that life has to offer.”
What’s Changing
From 2028, financial education will be embedded into the national curriculum in England. The subject will cover areas such as budgeting, saving, and managing debt, all taught in age-appropriate ways. The aim is to help pupils develop good habits, make informed decisions, and feel more confident about managing their finances.
This announcement follows growing recognition that financial literacy is essential to modern life. With digital banking, contactless payments, and the ongoing cost of living pressures, understanding money is not a luxury; it is a life skill.
What It Means for Teachers
Although the curriculum framework has not yet been released, teachers will eventually be responsible for delivering this new subject area. For many, that will be new territory. It is one thing to teach maths; it is another to teach financial choices and the emotions that often come with them.
This is where professional development will be so important. Teachers will need time, guidance, and support to feel confident bringing these topics into their lessons. When the framework is published, schools will need access to reliable training that helps educators build both knowledge and confidence in teaching financial education.
Why It Matters
Good financial education does more than explain numbers on a page. It helps pupils think about independence, security, and their role in the world. It gives them a sense of agency and the understanding that their choices can shape their future.
At CPD QS, we welcome this change. We have always believed that professional learning should be meaningful and empowering, whether it is delivered in a school, a workplace, or online. Financial education fits perfectly within that belief. It is practical, it is human, and it has the potential to change lives.
We will be following the development of the new framework closely over the next few years. As it takes shape, there will be opportunities to explore how professional development can best support teachers as they prepare for this shift.
For now, it is encouraging to see a move towards education that recognises life beyond exams. Teaching financial confidence is teaching self-confidence and that feels like a step in the right direction.
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