Broker suggests industry professionals teach mortgages in schools
Children in England will soon be taught about mortgages as part of a government move to enhance financial literacy in schools. The planned curriculum changes will see pupils learning how mortgages work, alongside lessons on budgeting and personal finance.
The new measures are part of the first major review of the national curriculum in more than a decade. The government aims to ensure that students leave school with a practical understanding of key financial concepts, including the responsibilities and implications of taking on a mortgage.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government’s priority is to “revitalise” what is taught in schools, while maintaining a strong foundation in core subjects such as English, mathematics, and reading.
Head teachers have described the proposed changes as “sensible”, but have cautioned that successful implementation will require adequate funding and staffing.
The review, launched last year, was designed to address attainment gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. The government has said it will adopt most of the review’s recommendations, allowing students to study a broader range of subjects.
As part of the reforms, financial literacy—including how mortgages work—will be taught in mathematics classes or through compulsory citizenship lessons in primary schools.
Mortgages and AI to be added to the curriculum in English schools https://t.co/mtyQIJ2wsg
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 4, 2025
“Financial literacy is a life skill that can make all the difference between keeping on top of your finances or finding yourself drowning in debt,” said Mark Harris (pictured right), chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients.
“Teaching children these valuable lessons in the classroom will ensure that nobody slips through the net. However, they need to be taught properly in order to have a real impact, so we would suggest going a step further – rather than teachers adding mortgages to their workload, we would encourage the government to invite mortgage brokers into the classroom.
“Being at the coalface with real-life experience, brokers can better explain how the mortgage market works, how to borrow sensibly and seek independent advice, the importance of having a strong credit file and not overstretching yourself. This will ensure the next generation are much more clued up than their parents.”
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