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17th July 2025
10:55am BST
Many families are well aware of the impact the back-to-school season has on their finances.
It feels like we're spending more money than ever on back-to-school essentials, from uniforms and stationery to after-school activity fees.
We spend such a huge portion of the summer preparing for the back-to-school season, but often don't realise just how much we're spending.
And it's quite an astronomical figure.
A recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions revealed that it costs the average parent €1,500 to send a child to school in Ireland.
The survey also found that one in three parents will likely go into debt because of back-to-school costs.
35% of parents said their children will have to go without some items because they cannot afford them.
Primary school parents are spending around €1,450 per child, and secondary school parents are spending €1,560.
The mammoth expense is not only having an impact on parents' finances, but also on their mental wellbeing.
“This year’s back-to-school survey findings are reflective of the broader pressures being felt across society associated with the increasing cost of living.
“While the fact that 1 in 3 are taking on debt is significant, the research also shows that more and more households are sacrificing to pay for back-to-school, particularly when compared to recent years."
Malone confirmed 37% are sacrificing family holidays so they can afford school supplies.
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) sacrificed food compared to 13% in 2024.
There has also been a significant increase in families using savings, 42% in 2025, which is a 7% increase on 2024.
The number of parents taking out credit union loans (12%) has tripled from 4% in 2024.
