Parents Face Rising Costs as Free Schoolbooks Scheme Falls Short

URGENT UPDATE: Parents across the country are grappling with skyrocketing back-to-school costs as savings from the government’s free schoolbooks scheme are quickly consumed by mandatory digital device requirements. A new survey from children’s charity Barnardos reveals that 60% of parents with secondary school children are deeply concerned about affording educational expenses, marking a significant rise in financial anxiety as the new school year approaches.

The survey, which gathered responses from 830 parents, shows that many families are resorting to loans or cutting back on essential bills to meet mounting expenses. Specifically, parents estimate that they will spend an average of €406 for secondary school and €263 for primary school on uniforms, voluntary contributions, and classroom resources. However, the costs are expected to swell with additional expenses for digital devices, which are now a requirement at many schools.

Barnardos highlights that half of secondary school parents say they are required to purchase a laptop or tablet, with many devices costing upwards of €500. One frustrated parent shared, “I was told that the money saved by free books should go towards a laptop,” illustrating how the free schoolbooks initiative is being overshadowed by escalating digital costs.

In a concerning trend, 78% of primary and 84% of secondary school parents reported that schools requested voluntary contributions, which many felt were anything but voluntary. The average contribution is €87 for primary and €133 for secondary school parents, adding further financial strain.

“Every month, it feels like there is a fee due for something,” lamented one primary school parent, emphasizing the constant pressure families face. Many parents have resorted to dipping into savings or borrowing money from friends and family to afford back-to-school costs. Alarmingly, 15% of secondary school parents reported taking out loans to meet these expenses, while 14% of primary school parents indicated similar financial struggles.

Minister for Education Helen McEntee announced that nearly one million students will receive free schoolbooks starting in the 2025/2026 school year, but the benefits are overshadowed by the rising costs of digital devices. Barnardos warns that the current landscape leaves many families making difficult financial decisions, with some parents saying they will not pay utility bills to cover school expenses.

“It’s a cycle of debt,” one parent said, expressing fears about falling behind on regular bills as school costs pile up. “I will go into debt until March the following year until it’s all paid back. I worry if I can keep this up year after year.”

The survey findings highlight a critical need for the Department of Education to investigate the growing reliance on costly digital tools in schools and explore solutions like a digital tools fund for low-income families. With back-to-school season approaching, urgent action is required to alleviate the financial burden on parents and ensure that education remains accessible for all.

As the new school year looms, parents are left navigating an increasingly challenging financial landscape, worrying about how to balance educational expenses with everyday necessities. The call for governmental support is louder than ever, as families seek relief from the escalating costs of education.

Share this story to raise awareness about the financial struggles many families are facing this back-to-school season.