How much does it cost to send a child to school in Ireland?
July 3, 2024
New Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) research has highlighted some of the hidden costs of education for families in Ireland, from digital devices to PE kits.
As the summer holidays begin, a survey of 1,202 parents and guardians of primary and secondary school children has revealed the back-to-school costs facing families across the country.
Voluntary contributions
- 84% of parents are requested to pay financial contributions to their children’s schools – this excludes standard fees in fee paying schools
- The average value of the contribution requested is €167 (€211 in secondary schools and €129 in primary)
- 1-in-6 parents are only informed of the requirement for payment after their child has started school
Uniforms
- Parents spend an average of €169 on uniforms and €99 on specific PE items
- Parents are broadly supportive of children wearing uniforms (84% in favour), but 40% still have some difficulty paying
Laptops and tablets
- 1 in 4 parents say their child is required to purchase a laptop or tablet for their schoolwork. This rises to 1 in 3 for secondary schools
- The average cost of a laptop or tablet to parents is €501 (rising to €562 for secondary schools). 1-in-10 say they spent over €900 on a full bundle
- 1-in-8 parents only found out about the requirement to pay for a laptop/tablet after their child had started school
- Over one third of those required to purchase a laptop or tablet are buying it on credit (credit card 33%, Buy now, pay later, 5%)
Advice for schools
There are clear steps schools can take to lessen some costs and make it easier for families to manage their money.
Be upfront and transparent about voluntary contributions, letting families know as early as possible how much is being asked for and what it will be used for. Make it clear that the contribution is not mandatory and, for those who do wish to pay, offer/facilitate payment plans for those who can’t pay it all at once.
While parents are overwhelmingly supportive of uniforms, with 84% in favour, restricting them to a single supplier increases costs and limits options. Schools should, where possible, allow for more generic items to be listed on their uniform policy.
Advice for parents
Know the costs: ask about uniforms, devices and voluntary contributions as soon as possible.
Know your rights: uniforms and devices are covered by consumer rights like any other product; voluntary contributions must be voluntary and your child’s place at the school cannot be dependent on payment.
If you are unhappy, you can contact the Department of Education for school related queries, or the CCPC helpline for consumer queries on 01 402 5555 or by email at ask@ccpc.ie.
Don’t take on debt to pay for school – talk to the school, or contact your local Community Welfare Officer.
For more information read the back to school costs parents’ survey findings.
Next steps
The CCPC is conducting this survey as part of a wider project focusing on back-to-school costs. As part of this project, we will be contacting secondary and primary schools, amongst other organisations, for their views. We would encourage schools to participate in this process.
Research methodology
The CCPC commissioned Ipsos B&A to survey 1,202 parents/guardians of primary and secondary school children. This research was conducted using online panels between 3 and 15 May. The sample included children from mixed and single sex schools, primary and secondary level, and DEIS, fee-paying and national schools.
Consumers were asked about
- financial contributions to schools;
- uniforms for their children; and
- devices that are purchased for the purpose of schoolwork, either at home or in school.
