Help to shape the next generation

Help to shape the next generation
27 October 2025

As tax professionals, we know how vital it is to understand the basics of tax, yet for many young people these concepts remain a mystery. Although financial education has been part of the national curriculum in England for over a decade, tax education still receives limited attention in schools. The good news is that you can help change all that.

The ATT and HMRC offer a range of ready-made, engaging resources to support members who want to go into schools and present on tax. These materials are aimed at youngsters aged 8 to 17, and are designed to be interactive, accessible and easy to deliver – even if you’ve never stepped into a classroom before.

The ATT’s school resources include:

  • a PowerPoint presentation introducing tax – what it is, why we pay it, and how it impacts daily life;
  • a presenter guide with speaking notes, discussion prompts and tips to engage young audiences;
  • interactive activities, such as quizzes and real-life scenarios to encourage participation and critical thinking; and
  • guidance on contacting schools and tailoring your session to suit different age groups.

These resources help make tax tangible and relatable, showing how it funds the services young people rely on, from hospitals and schools to roads and refuse collection. We can also supply materials to help you set up an engaging ATT stand and leave a lasting impression. These include: a pop-up banner stand, a branded tablecloth and careers brochures, a FAQ factsheet and poster, interactive Q&A cards, branded giveaways, info cards on tax history, and other small items for prizes.

Volunteering in schools is a rewarding way to give back and use your expertise to make a real impact. Many students leave school with little knowledge of payslips, income tax or National Insurance, despite being just years (or even months) away from employment. Some already have part-time jobs without fully understanding how tax affects their earnings.

By presenting tax in a relatable and engaging way, you can help to demystify the topic and show students that tax is an essential life skill, and not just something for accountants or HMRC. You’ll also benefit personally: presenting in schools sharpens your communication skills, builds confidence, and gives you fresh insight into how the public views tax.

Visit the ATT’s schools resources page at bit.ly/4qkSY9m to download the pack and start your outreach journey. Whether you can spare an hour or want to build a lasting partnership with local schools, you can make a difference. Let’s inspire the next generation – one classroom at a time!