Why this merger matters
At Money Ready, we believe that financial literacy is a life skill and a right. Yet too many young people miss out on early opportunities to build confidence around money. RedSTART has spent over a decade addressing this gap in primary schools, developing a proven model of intervention and impact.
By joining forces, we’re expanding our reach to 4 – 40, enhancing our evidence base, and accelerating innovation across our programmes. This partnership allows us to deliver lifelong financial education – from early years to adulthood – in more communities than ever before.
Powered by research
This merger is underpinned by a robust evidence base. RedSTART’s long-term partnership with King’s College London has produced some of the UK’s most compelling research into early financial education. These insights will now inform and strengthen Money Ready’s national impact framework, helping us better measure outcomes and evolve to meet learners’ needs.
What’s changing and what’s staying the same
- RedSTART’s team and expertise are being integrated into Money Ready’s operations from 1st September 2025.
- Sarah Marks, former CEO of RedSTART, will take on a new strategic leadership role in Money Ready’s Programme and Delivery Directorate, ensuring a smooth transition and a continued focus on innovation, as well as supporting the integration of RedSTART’s model into Money Ready’s operations.
- RedSTART’s successful primary school programmes will continue, now with increased reach and support through Money Ready’s national infrastructure.
A shared vision for change
Money Ready Chair, Asesh Sarkar, said:
“We are excited to welcome RedSTART to Money Ready. This partnership will create a unique proposition in the UK, offering financial education programmes for people aged 4 to 40, supporting them as they navigate key life moments. By combining our reach, we can support more people and help them learn the language of money.”
Money Ready CEO, Leon Ward, said:
“This is an exciting moment for financial education in the UK. RedSTART has been a powerful advocate for starting young and measuring impact – values that align perfectly with Money Ready’s mission. Together, we are better placed than ever to ensure that every child and young person, no matter their background, can access the tools and support they need to navigate money with confidence.”
RedSTART Educate Chair of Trustees, Rhodri Mason, who will join the Money Ready board, said:
“This merger brings together two organisations that have always believed in the power of early intervention. At RedSTART, we’ve proven that high-quality financial education can improve children’s understanding of money, laying the foundations for positive habits that last a lifetime. I’m thrilled to see this work continue and grow within Money Ready—an organisation with the scale, credibility, and drive to make a national impact.”
Sarah Marks, CEO of RedSTART, added:
“At RedSTART, our mission has always been to give young people the tools and confidence to manage their money well. By joining forces with Money Ready, we can scale our impact and reach even more schools, families, and communities across the UK. Together, we will be stronger, more innovative, and better able to deliver lasting change in financial education.”
What’s next?
Each year, Money Ready already reaches more than 52,000 individuals through tailored financial education. This merger will allow us to go further and faster, bringing vital skills and knowledge to more schools, families, and communities across the UK.
Find out more about our programmes here.
Want to work with us? Contact us here.
Share the news on social media using #MoneyReady and #RedSTART
For Media enquiries, please contact Judy Darley, Brand Engagement Manager: Judy.darley@moneyready.org; 07944 381323