School costs continue to weigh heavily on families, new research from the Irish League of Credit Unions shows, with more than one in four families getting into debt over the costs.
According to the research, which was conduced by iReach Insights in June, 59% of parents said that covering back to school costs is a financial burden for them.
The annual Back to School survey by the ILCU has been updated thi syear to provide a broader picture of school costs, from the first back to school bill to year-round running costs.
This year’s survey also captures additional cost considerations, such as devices, branded sports clothing, school lockers, and grinds.
Primary school parents expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year this year, made up of €623 in upfront back to school costs and a further €984 in running costs over the year.
Meanwhile, secondary school parents are spending €2,142 across the school year in 2026, made up of €1,115 in upfront back to school costs and €1,027 in running costs.
The research shows that while some comparable costs have eased, 48% of parents still feel back to school costs are higher than last year.
For those who said costs were higher, the main reasons are school uniforms, cited by 63%, branded or crested items at 40%, and school trips at 39%.
Today’s research reveals that uniforms remain a clear pressure point, with 57% of parents saying that they feel under pressure from their children to buy branded clothing, footwear and other items.
Just 15% have been able to avail of a second-hand uniform, while 43% say lower-cost options such as second-hand uniforms or supermarket alternatives were not available.
The ILCU said that secondary school parents are particularly exposed, with 51% required to buy uniforms from a named supplier, compared with 34% of primary school parents.
The findings also show that 81% of parents say their child’s school asks for a “voluntary” contribution, up from 78% in 2025.
Meanwhile, just 18% of parents think schools do enough to minimise costs, although 54% say schools do not do enough, but are improving.
Today’s research found that 59% of parents say that covering back to school costs is a financial burden, with 27% saying they get into debt.
It also found that despite fewer parents getting into debt in 2026, the average amount of debt is now at €430, an increase of €54, which indicates that those who do get into debt are struggling more than ever.
General monthly income remains the most common payment method, used by 70% of parents to fund back to school costs, while 37% use savings and 18% use credit cards.
A further 4% are using “Buy Now Pay Later” to spread the costs.
David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said this year’s research shows that the back to school pressure is changing rather than disappearing.
“Supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals are helping to reduce some of the most visible costs, but parents are still being hit by a wider mix of school-related expenses across the year. That makes the overall cost harder to plan for and harder to absorb,” Mr Malone said.
He noted that while fewer parents are getting into debt, the average amount owed has increased.
“That suggests a split is emerging. Some families are managing better, while others are under deeper financial strain,” he said.
“The risk is that families who are already stretched end up turning to expensive short-term debt, or delaying other bills, just to get through the school year,” he added.
