School costs put families on brink of despair

The costs of school books and uniforms are driving many families to despair, with some parents claiming they are close to breaking point because of the financial strain.

The annual Barnardos School Costs Survey shows that on average, parents are paying €350 for a child in senior infants, €400 for children in fourth class in primary school, and €785 for children going into first year in secondary school.

The figures emerge as 1,500 families a day are applying for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, with 132,500 payments already made, totalling €34.5m. While up to 190,000 homes are expected to qualify again this year, the rate has been cut by €50 per child, the second year running it has been reduced.