Primary & Secondary Back To School Costs 2026

Research reported at the beginning of July by the ILCU shows that the financial burden or back to school costs and running costs throughout the year are weighing heavily on parents of both primary and secondary school students, with more than one in four getting into debt. The survey conducted by iResearch got 752 responses.

In 2026, Primary school parents expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year, made up of €623 in upfront back to school costs and a further €984 in running costs over the year.

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.

Primary school parents reported fees and uniforms are the main back to school costs. The main running costs throughout the school year were reported as extracurricular activities and school snacks and lunches.

Devices for school and uniforms were the main back to school costs for secondary school parents. The biggest running costs throughout the year were reported as school snacks and lunches followed by school trips.

48% of parents think that costs are higher than last year, with the main reason being school uniforms.

The survey asked parents to make comment on the overall costs. One father of 3 based in Mayo said "Costs are too high all at once, and when I have two children starting back in secondary school, it's quite expensive"

David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said,

“Fewer parents are getting into debt, which is positive, but the average amount owed has increased. That suggests a split is emerging. Some families are managing better, while others are under deeper financial strain. 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. Anyone worried about back to school costs should speak to their local credit union early, before the pressure builds.”

Other findings from the 2026 research include:

• More than 3 in 5 parents, 63%, say they have experienced at least one financial impact such as having to forgo something because of higher food costs during the school holiday period.

• Just over half (56%) of primary school children are receiving and availing of hot school meals, 21% receive but don’t eat the meals and 23% don’t have the option to receive them. For secondary school children, most, 64%, don’t have the option of subsidised meals.

• More than 1 in 3 parents, 34%, have had to use savings because of increased food costs during the school holidays, while 33% have reduced spending on other household essentials and 32% have cut back on leisure or family activities.