Wider mix of expenses makes it harder for parents to plan and absorb school costs, survey says
Technology is emerging as a pressure point, particularly at second level, despite moves in recent years to introduce supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals to help to reduce the costs that families face. File picture
Families are being hit by a wide mix of hard-to-plan-for expenses across the school year as the pressure from back-to-school costs changes rather than disappears.
New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) shows school costs continue to weigh heavily on families, with almost 60% parents saying covering back-to-school costs is a financial burden.
Conducted by iReach Insights in June, the survey received responses from 752 parents. This year’s back-to-school survey also captures additional costs, like devices, branded sports clothing, school lockers, and grinds.
For 2026, primary school parents told the survey they expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year. This is made up of €623 in upfront back-to-school costs, as well as a further €984 in running costs over the year.
Post-primary school parents expect to spend €2,142 across the school year in 2026, made up of €1,115 in upfront back-to-school costs and €1,027 in running costs.
Almost one in four parents (23%) said they are forced to deny their children certain items because they cannot afford them.
Technology is also emerging as a pressure point, particularly at second level, despite moves in recent years to introduce supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals to help to reduce the costs that families face.
Uniforms remain a clear pressure point, with 57% of parents saying that they feel under pressure from their children to buy branded clothing, footwear, and other items. This compares to 59% in 2025.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) wrote to schools in 2025 and 2026, asking them to use generic uniforms when possible, and to review existing arrangements with suppliers.
However, 43% of parents told the ILCU that lower-cost options such as second-hand uniforms or supermarket alternatives were not available.
One mother told the survey: "My teenager’s school has just introduced a branded PE kit which costs in excess of €300 for the basic trousers, jumper and T-shirt, on top of the crested uniform.”
Parents told the survey they expect to spend €125 on primary school uniforms, and €164 on post-primary uniforms.
Running costs parents expect to pay at primary level include €255 on extracurricular activities, €255 on snacks and school lunches, €153 on afterschool care, €132 on school trips and €114 on transport to school.
Parents also told the survey they expected to spend €118 on grinds and other resources at post-primary level.
David Malone, chief executive of the ILCU, said this year's research shows that the back-to-school pressure is changing rather than disappearing.
"Supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals are helping to reduce some of the most visible costs, but parents are still being hit by a wider mix of school-related expenses across the year. That makes the overall cost harder to plan for and harder to absorb."
Fewer parents are getting into debt, but the average amount owed has increased, he added. "That suggests a split is emerging. Some families are managing better, while others are under deeper financial strain. The risk is that families who are already stretched end up turning to expensive short-term debt, or delaying other bills, just to get through the school year.”
- Jess Casey, education correspondent
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
