New research revealed parents spend over £6,000 for each child during their time in primary school.
This staggering cost comes as Save the Children’s study highlighted 100,000 more children are said to be in relative poverty than last year.
The research, carried out by Tigertags.co.uk, found that the significant expense incurred by parents for school-related expenses alone for the first seven years of education comes to approximately £6,326.
To help combat the brutal schoolyard expenses up to year six, there are some ways parents can save some cash while still giving their children the best start possible.
Opting for school dinners instead of packed lunches can reduce the burden slightly to £822 per year according to Tiger Tags as the former costs roughly £437 per year while packed lunches can range up to an average of £518 per year.
After seven years in primary school, this cuts the total cost down to £5,755 but there’s still more parents can do to save some dosh on their children’s schooling.
School uniforms cost roughly £287 per year, making up the second biggest school-related expense with a total of £2,009 over seven years in primary school.
However, the National Foundation for Educational Research found that the most common support offered by schools includes providing uniforms and clothing, with 94% of primary and 96% of secondary schools engaging in this support.
Sadly, the research also revealed 40% of primary teachers have noticed an increase in students not having adequate clothing such as proper uniforms or winter coats.
Founder of Tiger Tags, Sonja Adams, shared some tips for parents around this costly necessity, advising: “Many schools have second-hand shops where uniforms can be bought at a fraction of the cost. These shops offer used uniforms that are often in excellent condition and by purchasing from these shops, parents can save significantly compared to buying new items. This not only helps reduce expenses but also promotes sustainability by recycling clothing.”
She noted that organising uniform swaps through PTA’s or Facebook groups can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly while also urging parents to check if they qualify for relief or grants from their school or local authority.
Sonja added: “It’s a good idea to check your eligibility for government grants that help cover uniform costs as they can provide substantial financial relief. Many local authorities offer grants to support low-income families with school uniform expenses, contact your local council or school to find out more about available grants and how to apply.”
