Youth council equips students for financial success

Students from local schools have benefitted from Harborough District Youth Council’s Finance Champions programme, which equips young people with essential skills in money management and financial literacy. 

The youth council identified financial education as a subject they felt young people across the Harborough district would significantly benefit from learning more about and played a central role in shaping and developing the project to ensure it reflected the real concerns and interests of their peers.  

Delivered on Wednesday 25 February 2026 at Kibworth Cricket Club, the programme was run in partnership with the council’s Economic Development Team and Nicola Moss from The Business Hub Work Experience CIC. 

Around 20 Year 10 students from Robert Smyth Academy, Leicester Grammar School, Leicester Grammar Stoneygate, and Beauchamp College, along with staff members, attended. 

Sessions were led by Nicola Moss and finance experts Nick Rogers, Chartered Independent Financial Adviser, and Ben Blyth, Director of Houz Mortgages.  

Students explored practical modules including understanding payslips, University vs Apprenticeship costs, and money management essentials. They also participated in an interschool competition with prizes, and all received goody bags and certificates. 

Mohammed Seedat, Accounting and Finance Teacher at Beauchamp College, said: “Our young people who began with little to no knowledge of the world of finance have significantly benefited from the engaging sessions, gaining not only a strong foundation in financial literacy but also the confidence to navigate the financial world with assurance.” 

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “It was fantastic to see children from multiple schools fully engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and showing real interest in learning about finance. This is a great example of young people creating positive opportunities for their peers.” 

Funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this project reflects the youth council’s commitment to equipping students with skills often overlooked in school.  

A resource pack will also be made available to extend the programme’s reach across the district.