This is a special event targeted at current GCSE and A-Level students only. 

Bank of England economists, Jack Leslie and Rupal Patel will discuss their new book, Money, the inside story. This explores what causes inflation – and what lies behind the current cost of living crisis. They will also discuss the meaning of money – and what new technologies like crypto mean for its future.  

Students will then take part in discussions, facilitated by academics and by Jack and Rupal, on a selection of the topics that will feature at the Festival of Economics, including: the state of the UK economy, the future for energy, the implications of global demographic transition, what AI means for jobs and the value of a degree. The outcome of these facilitated sessions will be a set of issues and questions that will be taken forward and used to frame our festival panel discussions. 

This event is free to attend, but bookings need to be made in advance by emailing info@economicsfestival.co.uk. Students are welcome to attend individually, or bring along parents, guardians or teachers to this workshop. Group bookings for schools and colleges are also available.

The location and schedule will be shared at a later date with individuals who have booked onto the event. Please note that the start time for this event has been adjusted to 15:30.

Presented as part of the University of Bristol’s Thinking Futures contribution to the 2026 ESRC Festival of Social Science.