WizeUp Financial Education

WizeUp is pleased to announce that during the 2023/2024 academic year, we reached 35,566 students across England, delivering 69,668 student hours—a significant increase of 11,566 students compared to the previous year.

Under new leadership, with Michael Flack as CEO since January 2024, WizeUp remains dedicated to equipping young people with essential financial skills for adult life, particularly those in Key Stage 5 from Mainstream, SEND, or PRU settings. Post-session surveys revealed 92% of students felt more confident about money management, and we believe this increased confidence will lead to greater independence and informed decision-making in the future.

In collaboration with Bean Research, a Social Value International accredited practitioner, WizeUp developed a robust framework to measure and enhance the positive effects of financial literacy. Bean Research, accredited by Social Value International, worked closely with WizeUp’s trustees, staff, Youth Advisory Panel, and educators to design this framework.

WizeUp’s commitment to inclusivity is clear, as we served students from a diverse range of schools, including Grammar Schools and Pupil Referral Units. Nearly 10% of schools visited catered to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a group that faces unique financial challenges. Our analysis of schools considered socioeconomic factors such as the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) and Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility. While the national average for FSM eligibility is 24.6%, 42% of the schools we serve exceed this figure. However, 12% of our partner schools are in the top 20% of affluent areas, highlighting our wide-reaching efforts.

Our sessions cover a range of relevant topics, from Flat Sharing and Saving & Investing to Student Finance, Credit Ratings, Cryptocurrency, and Budgeting. Students achieved an average quiz score of 73%, with the highest scores in Flat Sharing and Saving & Investing at 96%.

A key strength of WizeUp is its ability to simplify complex financial topics. 89% of students reported a better understanding of financial jargon, while 71% of surveyed teachers said WizeUp increased students’ confidence in their financial future. Over half the teachers also noted a rise in students’ self-belief regarding financial capability. Additionally, more than half the students felt less anxious about their financial futures, particularly concerning student debt and university choices.

WizeUp remains committed to delivering impact-driven financial education that empowers young people to take control of their financial futures, providing them with the skills needed for a successful transition to adult life.