Back to School 2024

For 20 years, Barnardos has highlighted the costs and pressures experienced by parents when preparing their children to go back to school each September. This year’s survey of more than 900 parents has found that although some progress has been made in addressing back to school costs, expenses remain high for many. 

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There is a constant worry of being able to keep up with the basic needs for my son to attend school

Primary school parent

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A snapshot of Back to School 2024

2024 Survey Findings

Half of primary (51%) and 70% of secondary school parents stated they are worried about meeting costs this year. Only 30% of secondary school parents said that costs were manageable. 
One quarter of secondary (25%) and almost one in five (18%) primary school parents said they have to use savings in order to meet back to school costs.  
More than one in five (21%) of secondary and one in ten (12%) of primary school parents said they had to take a loan out or borrow from friends to meet school costs.
On average, primary school parents spent €119 on uniforms and secondary school parents spent €211 this year. 81% of parents said that their children’s school did not offer an affordable uniform option and 76% said their school could do more to reduce the cost of their child’s uniform.  
Two in five (39%) secondary school parents who have to purchase digital devices for their children stated they had to pay over €300 for those digital costs.  
78% of primary and 80% of secondary parents said that their schools requested a voluntary contribution at the start of the school year. 62% primary school parents and 66% secondary school parents said that it did not feel voluntary.

Barnardos Recommends

Extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all secondary schools.

The Department of Education must mandate all schools introduce an affordable uniform option.

The Department of Education should increase capitation rates by 10% and establish a voluntary contribution code of practice which all schools must adhere to.

Increase the Allowance by €100, as it was in Budget 2022 and Budget 2023, on a permanent basis.

Explore establishing a digital tools fund for low income parents where their children are in schools requiring high cost digital items.

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Back to School 2024