Tax in the classroom

As an educational charity, one of the primary objectives of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is to advance public education in tax. While tax impacts everyone at some point, it is not typically included in the classroom curriculum, leaving the decisions to teach it up to individual schools. Even when tax is covered, teachers may not always feel confident delivering the subject.

To address this, the ATT encourages its members to support teachers by visiting local schools and using their knowledge and expertise to bring tax education to life. HMRC has developed materials to explain the tax system, and our members help to make these resources captivating and accessible.

By engaging with both primary and secondary school students, we introduce them to the world of tax. Depending on the age group, these visits can help young people to understand the vital role that tax plays in society and inspire them to consider a career in tax. By demystifying tax, highlighting its relevance to everyday life and showcasing the diverse opportunities within the profession, the ATT sparks curiosity and interest in students who may never have previously considered tax as a potential career path.

In addition to school visits, the ATT actively participates in career fairs, where we engage directly with students, parents and guardians to promote careers in tax. These events offer a unique opportunity to explain various entry routes into the profession, including the ATT qualification, and the value of pursuing professional tax qualifications. By attending these events, we can connect with potential future tax professionals, offering guidance and answering questions about the qualifications and skills required to succeed in the field.

For the ATT to help shape a future where tax is understood, valued and pursued as a fulfilling career, we rely on the support of our members. If you are interested in supporting a local school, our website provides useful resources, including HMRC’s Junior Tax Facts (see tinyurl.com/462xd22z) and the ATT Volunteering in Schools toolkit (see www.att.org.uk/toolkit). We can also provide you with handouts and merchandise to take with you.

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you would like to discuss how you could give a presentation at your local school.

The ATT is committed to fostering a thriving, diverse tax profession. Through promoting tax education, offering relevant qualifications, and engaging with the next generation of tax professionals, we ensure that the sector continues to grow and evolve.