Back to School
For 21 years, Barnardos has highlighted the costs and pressures experienced by parents and guardians, when preparing their children to go back to school each September.
The 2025 survey is now open. Do you have children attending primary or secondary school for the 2025/2026 academic year?
We want to hear from you!
Your voice will help us shape a fairer back to school experience for every child in Ireland. You can help in just 5 minutes.
Use your voice and have your say
There is a constant worry of being able to keep up with the basic needs for my son to attend school
The results of the survey help Barnardos lobby the government to address unnecessary school costs putting pressure on families across the country, like:
💰 voluntary contributions
👔 expensive uniforms
💻 growing costs for digital devices
Back to School 2024 Results
Last year’s survey of more than 900 parents found that although some progress had been made in addressing back to school costs, expenses remained high for many.
There is a constant worry of being able to keep up with the basic needs for my son to attend school
Infographic
A snapshot of Back to School 2024
2024 Survey Findings
- Half of primary (51%) and 70% of secondary school parents stated they are worried about meeting costs this year. Only 30% of secondary school parents said that costs were manageable.
- One quarter of secondary (25%) and almost one in five (18%) primary school parents said they have to use savings in order to meet back to school costs.
- More than one in five (21%) of secondary and one in ten (12%) of primary school parents said they had to take a loan out or borrow from friends to meet school costs.
- On average, primary school parents spent €119 on uniforms and secondary school parents spent €211 this year. 81% of parents said that their children’s school did not offer an affordable uniform option and 76% said their school could do more to reduce the cost of their child’s uniform.
- Two in five (39%) secondary school parents who have to purchase digital devices for their children stated they had to pay over €300 for those digital costs.
- 78% of primary and 80% of secondary parents said that their schools requested a voluntary contribution at the start of the school year. 62% primary school parents and 66% secondary school parents said that it did not feel voluntary.
Barnardos Recommends
- Free school books
Extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all secondary schools.
- Affordable uniforms
The Department of Education must mandate all schools introduce an affordable uniform option.
- Voluntary contributions
The Department of Education should increase capitation rates by 10% and establish a voluntary contribution code of practice which all schools must adhere to.
- Back to School Footwear and Clothing Allowance
Increase the Allowance by €100, as it was in Budget 2022 and Budget 2023, on a permanent basis.
- Digital Costs
Explore establishing a digital tools fund for low income parents where their children are in schools requiring high cost digital items.
Download Results and Analysis 2024
Download Results and Analysis 2023
Download Results and Analysis 2022
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Barnardos works for and with vulnerable children in Ireland. You can be part of this work by signing up today.