Level 3 Personal Finance
Curriculum enrichment · September 2027
The Level 3 Award in Personal Finance helps you develop key knowledge and skills, think analytically and critically, and build transferable abilities such as reasoning and decision-making. It also promotes independence and confidence in managing money for work, further study and everyday life.
Exam board
Cambridge OCR
Course code
H056
Course contact
Miss Heighway, Subject Lead- Business & Economics
Are you interested in…?
How businesses are started, organised and grow?
What makes a business successful?
How businesses respond to changes in their environment?
The role of marketing in shaping consumer choices?
Why some businesses are more profitable than others?
Analysing business data to make recommendations?
Personal Finance can lead to a career in:
This course will allow you to feel confident and informed in your personal financial decisions, regardless of your future career prospects and aspirations.
Personal Finance goes well with:
Any Level 3 course as it prepares you for life after Sixth Form
Entry requirements
Grade 5 in GCSE English and grade 5 in GCSE Maths.
Course content
Personal financial activity
This topic covers how individuals earn income and understand financial documents such as payslips and P45/P60 forms, alongside managing essential and discretionary spending. It also explores the importance of saving and planning personal finances effectively.
Using financial services
This topic explores different payment methods, types of bank accounts and ISAs, as well as borrowing options including loans and credit. It also examines insurance, investments, pensions and how credit scores affect financial decisions.
Financial planning
This topic focuses on financial planning across life stages, including budgeting and managing money effectively. It highlights financial safety, security and where to access reliable support and guidance when making financial decisions.
Fieldwork/study visit/enrichment opportunities
Bank of England Museum*
*Subject to interest and scheduling
Assessment
One exam at the end of the course
Subject experts
Miss Heighway has 15 years’ experience of teaching and examining Edexcel A Level Business. She holds a BA(Hons) in Business & Finance, a PGCE in Business Education, an MEd in Education and also worked as Pensions Advisor. She has experience in supporting students in feeling prepared and financially literate as they move into adulthood, from understanding student loans and how to run a household budget.