Families turn to charities to help with school costs

FAMILIES are turning to charities for assistance in meeting annual costs of over €2,500 to send their children to school.

The estimated cost for the next academic year - which begins in just a few weeks for around 780,000 primary and second level pupils - includes after-school childcare and participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities. But most parents of primary pupils will pay more than last year’s average €1,023 cost for basics such as uniforms, books, footwear, transport and other education costs.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is one of a number of organisations which helps a rising number of families with the burden of these growing expenses.