A widespread issue with far-reaching impact
According to the research from Barclays, one-in-three adults (32%) say they would not feel confident helping a child with their maths homework. Almost four-in-ten (39%) are actively looking to improve their number skills.
The lack of number confidence is having a ripple effect on people’s everyday lives, particularly their finances. Over a quarter (27%) have faced financial issues or avoided financial tasks in the past year due to low confidence with numbers, while 43% believe their finances would be stronger if they had better number skills.
Half of UK adults identify areas of money management that could improve with stronger number skills – such as understanding interest on credit cards, loans and savings (19%), making informed financial decisions (16%), and planning for the future (16%).
Young adults are feeling financial strain
Young adults (aged 18–27) are particularly impacted. A striking 76% believe their finances would be in better shape if they had stronger number skills and confidence, while 80% see basic numeracy as essential for making informed financial decisions. Around 61% of this age group say they would like to improve their skills – well above the national average (39%).
Working with schools to build confident communities
Recognising the vital role schools play in laying the foundation for financial confidence, 80% of adults surveyed believe more classroom resources focused on everyday number use would improve confidence later in life.
To help tackle the issue, Barclays LifeSkills has joined forces with National Numeracy to support communities where the need is greatest. The new initiative will train a ‘numeracy champion’ in more than 60 primary schools in areas with the highest levels of numeracy need. The programme aims to reach over 13,000 children, parents, carers and school staff.
The partnership will also see the creation of a brand-new, free lesson for teachers to build both numeracy and financial confidence in the classroom, alongside tools for parents and carers to help support number confidence at home. All materials will be freely available on the Barclays LifeSkills platform.
Vim Maru, CEO of Barclays UK, said:
"We know that people’s relationship with money starts to be formed around the age of seven, so we must help children build number confidence early on.
"A financially confident nation is the foundation of a growing economy, and this ambitious new partnership with National Numeracy is one way Barclays is helping to unlock growth."
Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy, added:
"We’re thrilled to be partnering with Barclays LifeSkills to help thousands of children, parents and carers, teachers and school staff build confidence with numbers.
"At National Numeracy, we know that boosting number confidence can have a powerful impact on people’s lives — from developing crucial financial confidence to making everyday decisions. This partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to reach communities right across the UK where support is most needed and make a real, lasting difference."
