Back-to-school costs run to thousands, survey shows

Sending a family of children back to school can cost thousands, according to the Barnardos school costs survey released today.

Over 2,000 parents responded to the survey, which is now in its ninth year. It found the average cost for sending a senior-infants pupil to school was €345, a fourth-class pupil €380, and a first-year secondary student €735.