stellar-reef - About Us

Our Story

stellar-reef began when two educators noticed a troubling pattern: bright, capable adults struggling with basic money decisions. University graduates drowning in debt they did not understand. Parents unable to explain savings to their children because they had never been taught themselves.

We set out to create something different. Not lectures about compound interest, but genuine understanding. Not theory, but practice. A place where an eight-year-old could learn to budget pocket money and their parents could finally make sense of pension statements.

Team collaboration and strategic planning session

What Guides Us

The principles that shape every programme we design and every session we run

Practical Over Theoretical

Every concept we teach gets applied immediately. Mock budgets with real numbers. Simulated investment decisions with consequences. Learning by doing rather than listening.

Age-Appropriate Complexity

An eight-year-old needs different explanations than a forty-year-old. We meet each student where they are, building complexity gradually as understanding deepens.

No Judgement Zone

Financial mistakes happen. Poor money habits often come from poor teaching, not character flaws. We create space where questions feel safe and past decisions stay in the past.

Family Integration

Children learn best when home reinforces classroom lessons. We involve parents in junior programmes and encourage household conversations about money.

Meet Our Educators

Experienced professionals passionate about making finance accessible

Professional male educator in business attire

Marcus Webb

Director of Education

Former secondary school economics teacher with 15 years classroom experience. Designed our teen curriculum.

Claire Patterson

Adult Programmes Lead

Chartered financial planner turned educator. Brings real-world wealth management experience to adult courses.

David Okonkwo

Junior Programmes Lead

Primary education specialist who developed our game-based learning approach for younger students.

Our Facility

Located in central Liverpool near Commerce Street, our purpose-built learning space features dedicated rooms for different age groups. Interactive displays, comfortable seating, and technology designed for financial simulations make learning engaging.

Easily accessible by public transport, with parking nearby for evening and weekend sessions.

Visit Us

About Our Academy