Summary
A new national pilot, Understanding Money, Markets and Risk, will help post-16 students across the UK build confidence in financial decision-making, practical maths and long-term thinking. Launching on 8 June, the programme brings together the LSEG Foundation, Founders 4 Schools and Goldman Sachs to help young people build skills that matter for life and work.
Building financial confidence in practice
Designed to support school and college curricula, the programme aims to reach at least 2,000 students across more than 30 schools nationwide. It combines tailored financial education modules with practical learning on topics including income, tax, budgeting, credit, financial markets, risk, ethics and planning ahead.
Students will then apply their learning by managing a virtual portfolio of UK-listed shares in a London Stock Exchange-enabled simulation. In a safe, supported environment, they will analyse information, weigh trade-offs and reflect on outcomes. No real money is involved and progress is measured by the quality of their reasoning and decision-making. Volunteer mentors will provide educational support only, without giving financial advice.
Through tailored modules, simulated market scenarios and virtual portfolios, students will strengthen their maths and financial reasoning, build understanding of risk, reward, diversification and ethical decision-making, and grow confidence in making responsible financial choices. The programme also shows how applied maths and financial literacy connect to everyday life.
The programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible, welcoming students from all subject backgrounds and offering additional support to schools with fewer opportunities for employer engagement. It also supports Gatsby Benchmarks 4 and 5 by linking classroom learning to careers and connecting students with industry mentors.
“Democratising access to financial markets starts with education. Conversations about money and financial markets can, however, often feel distant or abstract for young people. This programme brings them to life - giving students across the UK the chance to explore real-world scenarios and build confidence in how they understand financial information, assess risk and make informed decisions about their financial future. These are essential life skills and exactly the kind of practical, accessible learning the LSEG Foundation exists to support. By providing students with the educational space to build their financial literacy, we are empowering the next generation to shape our economy.”
Erica Bourne
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