Lomond School Becomes First in UK to Accept Bitcoin Payments

Lomond School in Scotland is making history. It is now the first school in the United Kingdom to accept Bitcoin (BTC) as payment for school fees. Starting in the autumn term 2025, parents can pay using crypto assets instead of only British pounds.

Lomond School Accepts Bitcoin for Fees

According to a recent X post from Bitcoin Magazine, Lomond School changed this because many international parents and education agents wanted more flexible payment options. 

The school is working with two BTC companies, CoinCorner and Musquet, which are both approved by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This makes crypto payments safe and legal. 

Currently, any Bitcoin paid to the school will be converted into British Pounds. However, in the future, the school hopes to save some of the assets and keep them as part of its funds to build a Bitcoin reserve. 

Europe Supports Crypto

Lomond’s move is part of a bigger trend happening across Europe. Patrick Hansen, a policy advisor at Circle, said Europe is leading the world in terms of crypto-friendly banks. More than 50 banks in the continent now offer services for digital assets like Bitcoin.

Big companies are also helping to make crypto easier to use. Kraken, a well-known crypto exchange, has secured approval to operate as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI). This approval will make it easier and faster for UK users to deposit and withdraw their funds. Mastercard has also partnered with Kraken to help people in the UK and European Union (EU) use Bitcoin and other cryptos for everyday payments.

Likewise, BlackRock, one of the world’s largest investment companies, recently received approval from the UK’s financial watchdog to offer crypto services. The asset manager is now the 51st company on the UK’s official crypto list, along with well-known names like Coinbase, MoonPay, and eToro.

As schools and big financial companies start using BTC, the UK is becoming a bigger player in the global crypto space. Lomond’s move could inspire other schools and universities to follow suit.

Bitcoin Adoption Goes Mainstream 

The idea of using Bitcoin in schools is not entirely new. In 2013, the University of Nicosia in Cyprus started accepting Bitcoin. The institution wanted to make payments easier for international students and learn more about BTC.

El Salvador made Bitcoin a legal tender in 2021, and other countries are exploring similar paths. Global leaders may also influence the UK’s renewed interest in crypto. 

U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to make Bitcoin part of the country’s official reserve, inspiring other countries, including the UK, to consider doing the same.