One-in-five secondary school parents fear they will have to take out a loan to meet this year’s back-to-school costs, according to new Barnardos survey.
Among the parents of primary school children, one in 10 expect to take out a loan or borrow money from friends in order to cover costs.
Overall, seven-in-ten secondary school parents are worried about covering costs, while half of primary school parents are concerned.
On average, parents of primary school pupils expect to pay €119 for a uniform, while at secondary level the cost rises to €211.
Children in school uniform. Image: PjrTravel / AlamyBarnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said more needs to be done to reduce back-to-school costs.
“I really want the Government to take on board what parents have been saying to us,” she said.
“We’ve been doing this survey for 20 years [and] progress has been made with school books.
“We’re delighted with that and parents really appreciate it.
“But we’re now saying, in a country which we know is wealthy, we should have free school education - which means parents aren’t asked for voluntary contributions, that school uniforms are affordable and that school books are free.
“So, that you minimise costs to parents.”
The free school book scheme will be extended to Junior Certificate students this September and Education Minister Norma Foley has said she “hopes” Leaving Cert students will also one day be included.
Main image: A group of school children in school uniforms. Image: NorthScape / Alamy Stock Photo
