Average back to school bill soars to €815

THE average cost for a child entering secondary school has rocketed to €815 – over €500 more than the back-to-school allowance.

About 60% of parents said they faced higher costs this year than they did ahead of the 2009/10 school year.

The children’s charity Barnardos has warned that children’s futures should not be sacrificed to the recession. Today it is launching a survey which reveals the average basic cost for a child going into first year is €815, while the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for eligible families is only €305.