Tough choices ahead as back-to-school bill rises

Parents will have to pay more this year to send their children to school, according to Barnardos’ 10th anniversary survey of school costs.

The average cost for a senior infant pupil has increased from €345 to €365 over the last two years while it has increased from €380 to €390 for a fourth class pupil in primary school.

At second level, the cost for a first-year student has jumped, over two years, from €735 to €785.