The summer holidays have come to an end for another year and whilst kids might be looking forward to reuniting with their friends, some parents are worried about the financial strain of getting their kids ready to return to the classroom.
But with added pressure on today’s generation to have the latest gizmos and gadgets and inflation soaring to the highest level in over 40 years, back to school spending is expected to surpass £200 per child this year.
In this article, we’ll cover the back to school costs you should know about so you can get your finances in order and cut costs amidst further price rises.
Uniform
With the average cost of compulsory school uniform and sportswear items coming in at £101.19 per pupil, according to the latest figures from The Schoolwear Association, it could be your biggest back to school expense.
But with most uniforms either too small or in a sorry state by the time the school term comes to an end, it can sometimes feel like you’re digging deep to cover the cost of something that is unlikely to last a few months.
So, if your kid’s uniform needs replacing, bulk-buying staples like vests and trousers, keeping an eye out for last-minute deals, and shopping around for pre-loved items can help you get the most bang for your buck.
Food
With the cost of living crisis expected to send the annual UK food bill for the average household spiralling by £454, you could end up spending more than you bargained for just to keep your snack cupboard stocked up.
There are, however, some steps you can take to cut back on the cost of food without cutting back on the nutritional value so you can be confident your kids are eating well whether they’re at home or at school.
For example, planning lunches for the week ahead before you head to the supermarket and sending your kid to school with last night’s leftovers can put a stop to food waste and keep food costs down.
Supplies
The cost of school supplies has gone through the roof but when it comes to basic items, like pens, pencils, and books, most parents would agree that you can never have enough.
So, whether your kid is constantly complaining about losing pens or that their sharpener has been stolen, stocking up on supplies at the start of the term can save you a substantial amount of money over the course of the school year.
Similarly, it might also be a good idea to write a shopping list, look out for coupons, and shop second-hand to try and keep costs to a minimum with the cost of stationery alone coming in at around £30 per child.
Books
If your kid has exams to look forward to this year and has spent their summer with their head buried in a book, this is another cost that must be included in your back to school budget.
However, with schools passing the buck to pupils and their parents expected to foot the bill, you could end up spending hundreds on books that your kid might only pick up a handful of times.
With the price of books also getting more expensive as your kid gets older, you might be able to save some spare pennies by scouring the internet, visiting your local library, or reaching out to fellow parents.
Unexpected costs
Even if you’ve spent the school holidays mentally (and financially) preparing for your kid going back to school, it can be difficult to plan ahead for unexpected costs like school trips, sports equipment, and scuffed shoes.
But by budgeting for unexpected costs, you can ensure you are prepared for when your kid rips their brand-new backpack on the first day of term or has only just informed you of a school trip that leaves tomorrow morning.
If you are struggling to cover the cost of sending your kid to school, contact your local authority to find out if you are eligible for school uniform grants, free school lunches, or child benefits.
