February 26, 2026
Harrison Foundation launches free financial literacy resource for schools with The Open University
Too many young people leave school able to pass exams but without the practical knowledge they need to manage money in real life. From understanding payslips and tax to budgeting, saving and recognising scams, financial decisions shape future opportunity. When that understanding is missing it can hold young people back, particularly at the point they begin earning, choosing a training route or taking their first steps towards independence.
That is why the Harrison Foundation, in partnership with The Open University, has launched a new free financial literacy resource designed for 15 to 17 year old secondary school students. The course has been created to support teachers delivering financial literacy as part of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and provides a structured, accessible way to build confidence in teaching a topic that is increasingly important and often under-resourced.
The course is available now and free to access here.
The resource is rooted in the values and long-standing commitment of Sir David Harrison, founder of the Harrison Foundation. Sir David built one of the UK’s largest financial advice businesses, True Potential, and he has long believed that a lack of financial understanding is a barrier to social mobility. Too many young people, regardless of talent or ambition, step into adulthood without a clear grasp of how money works, how to plan for the future or how to protect themselves against poor financial decisions and fraud.
Sir David is also an Open University alumnus and in 2014 he donated more than £1.4 million to The Open University to establish the True Potential Centre for the Public Understanding of Finance. That investment was aimed at widening access to high-quality financial education for adults through free learning, helping people better understand household finances, saving, investing and long-term planning. The new resource for schools is a natural extension of that work, supporting earlier learning so young people can build strong foundations before they leave education.
Hosted on the OpenLearn Create platform, the course is titled Managing My Money For Young Adults. The programme is split into nine short sessions, designed to introduce the knowledge and skills essential for good financial decision making. It also offers a free statement of participation on completion and a digital badge, which can help motivate learners and recognise progress.
Two High School Students Wearing Uniform Working Together At Desk Using Digital Tablet
The content covers practical and relevant topics for the age group, including how the economy affects individuals, earning and spending, opening and using a bank account, comparing savings accounts and understanding inflation and interest rates. It also introduces the basics of how the stock market works and explains income tax and National Insurance contributions. Importantly, it includes a dedicated session on spotting financial fraud and scams, an issue that increasingly affects young people as they begin using online services and digital banking. The course also explores the relationship between money and happiness, helping pupils reflect on values and wellbeing alongside financial choices.
This structure makes the resource particularly useful for PSHE delivery. Sessions can be used in sequence or selected individually to fit lesson plans. The course is designed to be straightforward to access and easy to use, with teachers able to direct students to the learning and support them through it as part of classroom delivery or guided independent study.
The Harrison Foundation is committed to giving people a hand up and financial capability is a core part of that mission. Employability is not only about securing a job, it is about making informed decisions and building stability over time. Financial knowledge supports young people to take control of their future, avoid damaging mistakes and navigate the transition into adulthood with greater confidence.
Sir David Harrison, founder of the Harrison Foundation, said:
“Financial understanding is a life skill and it should not be left to chance. Young people are making decisions earlier than ever, whether that is about work, training, borrowing or managing everyday costs. This resource gives teachers a practical tool to help pupils build confidence in the basics, so they leave school better equipped for real life and with a stronger foundation for the future.”
By making the resource free and accessible, the Harrison Foundation and The Open University aim to remove barriers for schools and ensure that high-quality financial education is available to every pupil, regardless of background.
The course has been authored by The Open University and funded by the Harrison Foundation, with support from the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, continuing a shared commitment to widening opportunity through education.