Financial Education at RSM: Preparing Children for a Confident Financial Future
I have often said that there are two particular areas which can get us into trouble and really spoil our lives. These are relationships that go wrong and the inability to manage money. There is very little education on these important areas within the National curriculum, so for several years now we have had philosophy for children in the RSM curriculum, helping young people to understand one another, to discuss and debate in a healthy forum and be willing to change their views based on discussion and deeper understanding of another person’s perspective.
However, understanding money is even harder these days as very few people use cash therefore, at RSM, we believe that empowering our pupils with financial literacy skills from an early age is essential for their future success. Research consistently shows that children who receive structured financial education are better equipped to manage money wisely, avoid debt, and plan effectively for their ambitions. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce a bespoke Financial Education curriculum across the entire school as part of our wider Maths and PSHE programme.
Starting in Green Shoots and Kindergarten, our youngest learners are introduced to fundamental money concepts through hands-on role play, turning classrooms into lively shops or banks. Activities such as shopping games and coin hunts help children understand the basics of earning, saving, and spending. By embedding these experiences early, children begin to recognise the importance of money management in a fun, engaging environment.
As children progress into Reception and Key Stage 1, the curriculum deepens. Through imaginative story-based projects featuring characters like Ed and Bunny, pupils explore practical scenarios that teach them about wants versus needs, budgeting, and saving. Whether helping Bunny avoid spending all his money on sweets or working with Ed to save for important purchases, children develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
In the Upper School, the programme evolves to meet the growing independence of our older students. Pupils engage with real-world concepts such as bank statements, debit and credit cards, the risks and rewards of borrowing, and the power of saving with interest. They are encouraged to become critical consumers, recognising the influences of advertising and peer pressure on their financial decisions. The curriculum also touches on career pathways and how earning money can be used to not only meet personal goals but also contribute meaningfully to the wider community.
Our approach is distinctly RSM: project-based, problem-solving focused, and designed to integrate seamlessly with classroom learning. Resources have been carefully selected from respected organisations such as Young Enterprise, NatWest, the Bank of England, and the PSHE Association, but adapted to meet the needs of our pupils at every stage.
Throughout all phases, the aim is clear: to build confident, informed young people who are equipped to make sound financial decisions now and in the future. By learning how to budget, save, spend wisely, and understand the emotional aspects of money, our students will carry these essential life skills with them beyond their school years.
Financial education at RSM isn’t an isolated lesson, it’s a vital, ongoing conversation that grows with our children. We are proud to be pioneering this essential element of modern education, ensuring that every child at RSM has the tools they need to thrive financially and personally in an increasingly complex world.