Classroom with teacher helping school children with their work

Teach tax in schools, says new ATT President

13 July, 2026

Teaching tax in schools will allow young people to enter the world of work with a better understanding of their responsibilities, says the new President of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).

Barry Jefferd called for improved tax education at the Association’s annual general meeting on Thursday 9 July, where he took over as president from Graham Batty. He added that, as well as increasing students’ knowledge of tax, better education could also help encourage more young people to look at careers in the tax profession.

He said that, although being a qualified chartered accountant, he realised the importance of tax and took the CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) exams in 1987, and later the ATT exams, to develop his knowledge further.

Barry said:

“Tax overlaps with so many areas of life, and we have long called for more attention to be given to it at school. How wonderful would it be if young people could leave school already having a strong grasp of the issue?

“Improving the education of tax in schools will not only ensure young people enter the world of work with an understanding of tax, but also open students’ eyes to the diverse and rewarding careers available in the tax profession.”

Elsewhere in his speech, Barry said: 

  • Making Tax Digital remains a major focus for ATT, with the first quarterly submission due in August. Barry said MTD is in a better place because of ATT’s involvement, with strong member engagement through its free MTD meetings and close technical input into the policy’s development.
  • The Association is continuing to grow, with more than 10,000 members and 3,000 registered students.

In addition to Barry becoming President, Ele Theochari has become the Association’s new Deputy President, while Richard Freeman becomes Vice President.