Over 70% of parents worried about school uniform costs as back-to-school bills mount

Uniforms and digital devices are among the biggest financial concerns.

The children's charity surveyed 704 parents of primary and secondary school students and found that more than half are concerned about meeting back-to-school costs.

Uniforms were among the biggest financial pressures, with 70% of parents saying they were somewhat or very worried about covering the cost this year.

One primary school parent said: "The cost of the uniform is outrageous. They should be allowed to wear the tracksuit all the time; the only option should be affordable."

Another secondary school parent said: "The twins have double everything to get and crested uniforms are a joke as they cost so much. I've one starting secondary school and her uniform costs are a scandal."

The survey also found that less than a third of primary school parents and just 9% of secondary school parents said their child's school offered an affordable uniform option.

Digital devices continue to be another major expense for families with 57% of secondary school parents having to pay for a device at an average cost of €447.

One parent commented: "Being asked to pay €850 for a tablet is disgraceful when people are struggling to pay their electricity bill and put food on the table. School has no understanding of current cost of living crisis and how families are struggling. Tablet was compulsory!! Absolutely disgraceful."

Barnardos National Policy Manager, Stephen Moffatt, stated: "Barnardos has been campaigning to reduce back to school costs in order to reduce financial pressure facing parents across the country for over 20 years.

"Over the past few years, we have seen substantial progress. However, parents remain concerned about several back to school costs, in particular for many secondary school parents the cost of digital devices and for primary school parents the issue of expensive uniforms, which often now include additional branded tracksuits.

"The Government needs to continue the progress made recently in order to provide a truly free education."

Sinn Féin TD, Pearse Doherty, weighed in on the issue, saying 'school uniforms, PE gear, digital devices and so-called voluntary contributions are putting too many families under pressure'.

"Parents should have affordable options for school uniforms, rather than being forced to buy expensive branded items. Voluntary contributions should be abolished, and the use of mandatory digital devices reviewed.

"There is a better way. Ireland can and should have a genuinely free education system. That’s the change I’m determined to deliver," he continued.

Families looking to cut costs may also benefit from school uniform swap events taking place in communities around the country.

One such event is the School Uniform Swap Shop in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, which will be held at Captain Wafer Hall on Saturday, August 15, from 11am to 2pm.

Clean, good-quality pre-loved school uniforms can be swapped for different sizes or schools, while donations can also be dropped off on Friday, August 14, between 10am and 12pm.

Similar community initiatives are often organised by schools, charities and local groups ahead of the new school year, helping families reduce costs while giving unwanted uniforms a second life.