For many parents across Ireland, the excitement of a new school year is overshadowed by financial anxiety.
A new survey from children’s charity Barnardos reveals that the cost of uniforms, books, and digital devices is pushing families to the brink.
The Barnardos Back to School Survey 2025 found that over half of all parents are worried about these expenses.
For one secondary school parent who responded to the survey, the situation is so dire that they are facing an impossible choice: “I will not pay gas and electric bill in August, I will borrow a loan and use instalments… My worries are if I can keep this up year after year.”
The report paints a clear picture of the pressure on families:
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The Savings Drain: Over a quarter of secondary school parents (27%) and 14% of primary school parents are dipping into their savings just to get their children ready for school.
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A Loan of Last Resort: For others, it’s even more serious, with 15% of secondary and 8% of primary school parents taking out loans or borrowing from family.
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Uniforms, Tech, and “Voluntary” Fees: The survey highlighted the usual culprits: expensive uniforms, digital devices (costing an average of €430 for secondary students), and “voluntary” school contributions, which most parents felt pressured to pay.
Barnardos has long campaigned to reduce these financial burdens on families. CEO Suzanne Connolly is now calling on the Government to take action, stating, “No parent should face additional stress and financial pressure to ensure their child has all they need to start back to school.”
The charity’s recommendations include expanding the back-to-school allowance and reducing the costs of digital devices.
