Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris is encouraging local schools to put on money lessons this June, to give their pupils a head-start in financial education before it becomes a compulsory part of the new National Curriculum in September.  The move comes in advance of this year’s My Money Week (9 to 15 June), run by the Personal Finance Education Group.

Every primary and secondary school in Castle Point is being given the chance to take part in My Money Week, which aims to help young people learn more about money and personal finance, for free.  The financial education charity, ‘Personal Finance Education Group’, is offering teachers in Castle Point free online resources, advice and training to help plan their activities.

Rebecca Harris MP, who as a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People has been championing the cause in Westminster, said: “No-one should leave school without knowing how to apply for a mortgage or balance a household budget. I am very pleased that from September Financial Education will be on the national curriculum and I urge as many local schools as possible to get involved with My Money Week and give children in Castle Point a head start.”

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of Personal Finance Education Group, said: “Rebecca Harris MP is absolutely right to call for all local schools to take part in My Money Week, which is a terrific opportunity to help pupils learn more about money in a fun and engaging way.  We are delighted to have her support for what we hope will be Castle Point’s best My Money Week yet.”

Financial education will become a compulsory part of the National Curriculum for the first time this September, after years of campaigning by MPs and Peers in the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People.