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. 

Attendance of the workshop is limited to pre-organised group bookings from schools and colleges. If you are interested in making a group booking, please get in touch via email: info@economicsfestival.co.uk. Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome students who wish to attend individually (with, or without a parent or guardian) to this event due to safeguarding restrictions.

The location and schedule will be confirmed at a later date with schools who have booked onto the event. Please note that the new start time of 15:30, which is later than originally advertised.

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