School Costs in 2026 Weighing on Families across Primary and Secondary

New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows school costs are weighing heavily on families, with 59% of parents saying covering back to school costs is a financial burden and more than one in four getting into debt. Conducted by iReach Insights in June 2026, the survey received responses from 752 parents.

The annual Back to School survey by the ILCU has been updated in 2026 to provide a broader picture of school costs, from the first back to school bill to year-round running costs. This year’s survey also captures additional cost considerations, such as devices, branded sports clothing, school lockers and grinds.

In 2026, Primary school parents expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year, made up of €623 in upfront back to school costs and a further €984 in running costs over the year.

Secondary school parents are spending €2,142 across the school year in 2026, made up of €1,115 in upfront back to school costs and €1,027 in running costs.

Immediate and Ongoing Financial Pressures

The research shows that while some comparable costs have eased, almost half of parents, 48%, still feel back to school costs are higher than last year. For those who perceive costs to be higher, the main reasons are school uniforms, cited by 63%, branded or crested items at 40%, and school trips at 39%.

Uniforms remain a clear pressure point, with 57% of parents saying that they feel under pressure from their children to buy branded clothing, footwear and other items (59% in 2025). Just 15% have been able to avail of a second-hand uniform, while 43% say lower-cost options such as second-hand uniforms or supermarket alternatives were not available. Secondary school parents are particularly exposed, with 51% required to buy uniforms from a named supplier, compared with 34% of primary school parents.

The research captured live examples of the challenges facing households across Ireland. For example, a mother of one from Kilkenny said: “Crested uniforms should be made a lot cheaper. My teenager’s school has just introduced a branded PE kit which costs in excess of €300 for the basic trousers, jumper and T-shirt, on top of the crested uniform.”

Technology is also emerging as a pressure point, particularly in secondary schools. A mother of three from Kildare said: “Many schools require digital devices, so families have to buy an iPad or laptop for each child. This offsets the government’s move to provide free schoolbooks and reduce costs for families.”

The findings also show that 81% of parents say their child’s school asks for a “voluntary” contribution, up from 78% in 2025. Just 18% think schools do enough to minimise costs, although 54% say schools do not doenough, but are improving.

Funding Back to School

The research found that 59% of parents say that covering back to school costs is a financial burden. More than 1 in 4 parents, 27% (down 6% compared to 2025), say they get into debt. Despite fewer parents getting into debt in 2026, the average amount of debt is now at €430 (up €54), indicating that those who do get into debt are struggling more than ever.

General monthly income remains the most common payment method, used by 70% of parents to fund back to school costs, while 37% use savings and 18% use credit cards. A further 4% are using Buy Now Pay Later to spread the costs. A father of three from Mayo said: “Costs are too high all at once, and when I have two children starting back in secondary school, it’s quite expensive.”

Parents are also continuing to cut back elsewhere to cover school costs. Family holidays remain the most common sacrifice at 33%, followed by summer camps or activities at 27%. A further 13% are sacrificing household bills, 12% credit card bills, 11% food and 8% loan repayments.

Almost 1 in 4 parents, 23%, say they are forced to deny their children certain back to school items because they cannot afford them. Of those parents, 74% have denied their child extracurricular activities, 40% new gym gear, 35% school trips and 30% new shoes.

One mother of two from Dublin said: “The provision of free books and lunches has made a significant difference to the cost of education. It is a great help for parents, especially those in low-income families.”

David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said: “This year's research shows that the back to school pressure is changing rather than disappearing. Supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals are helping to reduce some of the most visible costs, but parents are still being hit by a wider mix of school-related expenses across the year. That makes the overall cost harder to plan for and harder to absorb.

“Fewer parents are getting into debt, which is positive, but the average amount owed has increased. That suggests a split is emerging. Some families are managing better, while others are under deeper financial strain. The risk is that families who are already stretched end up turning to expensive short-term debt, or delaying other bills, just to get through the school year. Anyone worried about back to school costs should speak to their local credit union early, before the pressure builds.”

Other findings from the 2026 research include:

• More than 3 in 5 parents, 63%, say they have experienced at least one financial impact such as having to forgo something because of higher food costs during the school holiday period.

• Just over half (56%) of primary school children are receiving and availing of hot school meals, 21% receive but don’t eat the meals and 23% don’t have the option to receive them. For secondary school children, most, 64%, don’t have the option of subsidised meals.

• More than 1 in 3 parents, 34%, have had to use savings because of increased food costs during the school holidays, while 33% have reduced spending on other household essentials and 32% have cut back on leisure or family activities.

(source: ILCU)