Back-to-school costs are adding up for parents

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As summer winds down, thoughts turn from holidays and days out to school uniforms, stationery and lunchboxes. But for many parents, the excitement of a new school year also comes with the stress of paying for it.

Research shows the minimum cost of education is now over £1,000 a year for a primary school child and nearly £2,300 a year for a secondary school child.[1]

How are parents paying for back-to-school?[2]

Back in 2024, 39% of parents would need to rely on credit to pay for school costs. Of those:

20% would use credit cards
13% would rely on their overdrafts
10% would turn to buy now, pay later (BNPL)
6% said they’d borrow from families and friends

Why is back-to-school so expensive?

It’s not just the school uniform —the start of a new school year can mean buying things like school meals, transport passes and additional clothing.

Packed lunches and snacks are now costing families more than school uniforms, with 2024 figures showing parents spent an average of £486.30 a year for a primary school child and £846.15 for a secondary school child.1

How many parents are struggling financially? [3]

Since January 2025, 40% of parents feel anxious about back-to-school spending, slightly lower than 47% last year. This drop might be due to parents changing their approach, with nearly 1 in 5 bargain hunting or shopping second-hand to save money. Others are planning to save throughout the year, so they’re financially prepared for the costs when September comes.

What can I do to prepare for back to school?

Use these five tips to make your budget go further this academic year:

1. Get organised early

Look before shopping – Check what’s in the house before hitting the shops.
Spread the cost – Uniforms often go on sale after the July/August rush, so consider buying the next size up for next year.
Label it before they lose it – Name-tag everything to cut down on replacements.
Get the reading list early – Borrow from the library or buy second-hand, before the term starts.

2. Save on uniforms

Go logo-free where possible – Supermarket basics can be much cheaper if your school allows them.
Snap up second-hand – Swap outgrown items for ones that fit at school swap shops, Facebook groups, or charity stores.
DIY the logo – Sew on a school badge to cheaper blazers or jumpers.

3. Make use of support

Ask the school for help – They may have spare kit or signpost you to funding.
Check your council’s grants
- England – Support varies by council; grants are no longer national.
- Scotland – Most councils offer a school clothing grant if you qualify.
- Wales – Lower-income families can apply for a school essentials grant.
- Northern Ireland – The clothing allowance scheme helps eligible families with uniform costs.
Tap into charity support – PTAs, the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust, and others offer grants (see educational-grants.org). Schemes like Wacky Warehouse’s uniform collection can help you kit your child out for free.

4. Think beyond uniforms

Buy big-ticket items smart – Wait for deals on laptops, tablets, or sports gear. Some charities and local schemes also loan or donate devices. The Digital Poverty Alliance currently supplies laptops in seven UK areas.
Do the lunch maths – Compare the cost of packed lunches vs school dinners.
Check for free travel – You may qualify based on distance, income, or safety.
Buddy up for the school run – Carpool or join a walking or bus scheme to save money and time.

Think twice before using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

BNPL can help spread costs in the short term, but knowing the risks is important, especially as missed payments can lead to fees and affect your credit score. If you’re considering it, make sure you understand the terms and read our latest article on the hidden dangers of BNPL for more advice.