About Us - Frosty Castle | Financial Education for Young People

We believe every young person deserves the financial knowledge that schools don't teach and parents often find difficult to discuss.

Frosty Castle started in 2016 when Eleanor Hughes, a chartered accountant who had transitioned to secondary school teaching, noticed a troubling pattern. Her sixth-form students, many heading to top universities, had no concept of budgeting. They didn't understand student loans, credit cards, or why saving mattered.

These weren't unintelligent young people. They simply hadn't been taught. And when Eleanor asked colleagues across Bristol, she found the same gap everywhere. Financial education wasn't part of the standard curriculum in any meaningful way.

Eleanor began running informal sessions after school. Word spread. Parents asked if she could teach their primary-age children too. Former colleagues from her banking days volunteered to help with more advanced topics like investing and credit.

By 2018, demand had grown beyond what a side project could handle. Eleanor formalised the organisation, brought on Marcus Thompson and Rachel Kimura as core educators, and Frosty Castle as we know it was born.

What Drives Us

Our Mission

To ensure that every child leaving school in Bristol has the financial knowledge and confidence to navigate adult life without falling into common money traps.

We're not against debt, or spending, or enjoying life. We're against ignorance that leads to poor decisions. A young adult who understands compound interest might still take out a loan, but they'll understand exactly what they're committing to. They'll read the terms. They'll calculate the true cost.

That awareness is what we cultivate. Not financial restriction, but financial understanding. The difference is profound.

Our Values

Practical Over Theoretical

Abstract concepts don't stick. We use real scenarios, actual numbers, and hands-on exercises that create lasting understanding.

Age-Appropriate Honesty

We don't sugarcoat financial realities, but we present them in ways that inform rather than frighten. Seven-year-olds don't need to worry about mortgages.

Family Involvement

Learning is reinforced at home. We actively involve parents through reports, resources, and our family workshops.

Accessibility

Financial literacy shouldn't be a privilege. We offer reduced rates for families who need them and partner with schools to reach underserved communities.

Our Teaching Team

Educators who combine financial expertise with proven teaching methods.

EH

Eleanor Hughes

Founder & Lead Educator

Chartered accountant turned teacher. 15 years in education. Created our core methodology and oversees curriculum development. Specialises in our pre-university programmes.

MT

Marcus Thompson

Youth Finance Specialist

12 years in retail banking before joining us. Runs our investment simulations and teen programmes. Known for making complex topics accessible through relatable examples.

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Rachel Kimura

Primary Educator

Early years education specialist with a background in child psychology. Developed our Young Savers curriculum. Expert at turning financial concepts into engaging games.

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Daniel Morrison

Schools Liaison

Former deputy head teacher. Manages our school partnerships and ensures our content aligns with educational standards. Coordinates teacher training sessions.

Our Impact So Far

2,400+

Students Taught

18

Partner Schools

94%

Parent Satisfaction

8

Years Operating

Numbers only tell part of the story. What matters more is the feedback we receive months and years later. Parents reporting that their teenager negotiated a better phone contract. A former student who avoided a payday loan because she remembered our warning signs lesson. A family that finally started saving together.

These are the outcomes that make the work worthwhile. Financial literacy isn't just about money. It's about confidence, independence, and the ability to make informed choices in a world designed to encourage poor ones.

About Frosty Castle