Going to school is free, but in reality, there are many hidden costs that families have to pay for. These extra costs can all add up quickly and put pressure on parents’ budgets. Here, we explore the true cost of going to school.
Branded School Items
A lot of schools now insist that students wear uniforms or use supplies with the school logo. This includes things like branded uniforms, bags, and even notebooks or planners. The branded items are often more expensive than plain alternatives from regular shops and are harder to buy second-hand. On average, students are required to have three branded uniform items, with nearly a third of secondary school pupils needing four to five branded items. Despite government guidelines aiming to reduce the number of mandatory branded items, families often find themselves still limited to specific suppliers.
Some companies, like www.fsedesign.co.uk/websites-for-schools/, now provide websites for schools where they can better communicate with parents and share cost-saving tips, second-hand uniform sales, and local support services online.
How Much Does It Cost?
Other Hidden Costs
Besides uniforms, there are many other school-related costs that aren’t always obvious at first, such as:
- Lunchboxes and Water Bottles
- Stationery and Supplies Pens, pencils, notebooks, calculators, files and art materials can cost a lot, especially when specific brands or quality are needed
- Technology Some schools require students to have tablets or laptops, which can be expensive.
- Transport Don’t forget to include bus fares or train fares to school in your budget.
“Optional” Extras That Aren’t Really Optional
Even when schools say things like school trips, after-school clubs, or special events are optional, most children don’t want to be the only one left out. Parents often feel pressured to pay for things like:
- School photos
- Fundraising events
- Sports clubs and music lessons
- Special dress-up or themed days
- End-of-year activities, events or proms
