Newbury Building Society Champions Financial Education in Schools

Newbury Building Society has expressed its strong support for the UK government’s decision to implement compulsory financial education in primary schools. This initiative, set to take effect in 2028, aims to integrate financial literacy into the existing Citizenship curriculum. The goal is to equip young people with essential skills for navigating the complexities of modern financial life and the workplace.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from various organizations in both the education and finance sectors. Among them, Newbury Building Society has a long-standing commitment to enhancing youth education through its initiative known as the Junior Newbury Building Society (JNBS). This program was revitalized in 2025 to offer tailored workshops that address the financial needs of a generation increasingly engaged with digital transactions.

Innovative Approach to Financial Literacy

Mollie Maclean, Marketing Business Partner at Newbury Building Society, emphasized the importance of updating the JNBS to reflect the changing landscape of financial interactions since 2008. “Classrooms and the world beyond them have changed significantly,” Maclean stated. “Updating JNBS was essential to reflect the way young people currently engage with money today, as well as making the learning as accessible for schools as possible.”

The revamped workshops, crafted by Rosie Edwards—a former teacher and deputy head—introduce students to fundamental financial concepts in an engaging manner. Utilizing games, videos, group activities, and discussions, the curriculum covers topics such as:

– Keeping money safe, including how to spot scams
– Understanding influences on spending
– Various payment methods and their associated risks
– Basics of saving, borrowing, and interest
– Introduction to budgeting

As of now, over 270 pupils in Berkshire and Oxfordshire have participated in the new JNBS workshops. Feedback from schools, such as Curridge Primary School near Thatcham, has been overwhelmingly positive, with educators describing the sessions as “engaging, informative, and incredibly supportive of the children’s learning.”

Building Financial Awareness from a Young Age

Edwards reflected on the impact of these workshops, stating, “We’re passionate about helping children become financially aware from an early age. JNBS workshops provide learning about a range of essential financial topics to help children build strong money skills. We’ve seen amazing engagement so far from the children who have taken part; many of whom are learning about these concepts for the first time.”

This initiative marks a significant step in preparing young people for financial responsibilities in an increasingly digital world. With support from the government and organizations like Newbury Building Society, the future of financial education appears promising, aiming to foster a generation of financially savvy individuals.