What was the challenge?

Across Redditch, and specifically schools within the Bordesley Multi Academy Trust, the student population required significant improvement in financial knowledge and essential life skills. The Trust needed additional support from local financial experts who had the ability and time to consistently work with pupils to improve financial confidence throughout their academic years.

How did Houlcroft Partners make a difference?

Working closely with the schools, Houlcroft Partners initiated a long-term programme to embed financial literacy into the curriculum. This successful initiative included:

Initiated a sustained programme: Starting in 2023 at Birchensale Middle School, Darren launched annual Financial Education workshops for Year 7 students, using resources from Money Matters.

Established community connection: Darren involved other local businesses who shared the belief that building financial confidence from an early age is vital for the future calibre of the local workforce.

Expanded reach: The initiative branched out to other schools in the Trust, engaging specialist charities, such as Money Ready, to deliver workshops to younger students (Year 3 and 4).

Ensured continuity: Houlcroft Partners continue to run workshops across the Trust, ensuring financial education is reinforced throughout the pupils' education as they move through the academic years.

Secured major funding: With the support of Darren, Birchensale Middle School secured funding to work towards establishing itself as a Financial Education Centre of Excellence, a joint initiative with Young Enterprise and St. James's Place. It will become one of only 25 schools nationally to achieve this award.

The Outcome

The response from the pupils after every workshop has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the direct impact of the education:

"Over 80% of pupils stated the sessions have made them think differently about money. They gained a better understanding of how to budget and the financial impact of borrowing, spending, and investing."

Between December 2023 and June 2025 we received 459 responses to our sessions with an average response rate of 82%.

How did the school feel supported?

The Chief Executive Officer of Bordesley Multi Academy Trust, Adrian Ward, who has previously attended one of the financial education workshops himself, says:

"The sessions run by Darren are incredibly important in ensuring all our young people are financially aware from the earliest possible age and are given the skills and knowledge needed in aspects of personal finance which are so important. The fact that the sessions are also enjoyable really helps the pupils engage with these essential skills for life."