A growing number of Irish parents are getting into debt to cover the rising costs of sending children back to school, according to new research published by the Irish League of Credit Unions.
The ILCU's 2025 Back to School survey, conducted by i-Reach and based on responses from 729 parents, found that one in three families are now taking on debt to meet school-related expenses. The average amount of debt has risen to €376, compared to €368 last year, when one in four parents reported going into debt.
The total cost of sending a child back to primary school has jumped to €1,450, while parents of secondary school students now face an average bill of €1,560. That represents an increase of €364 for primary school parents and €159 for those with children in secondary school, compared to 2024.
After-school care is now the highest expense for primary school parents at an average of €197. The survey also found that 64 percent of parents believe back-to-school costs are a financial burden, slightly up from 62 percent last year. More than 60 percent also say that schools do not do enough to help reduce the financial pressure on families.
David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said the findings reflect broader cost-of-living challenges and growing sacrifices made by households.
"While the fact that one in three are taking on debt is significant, the research also shows that more and more households are sacrificing to pay for back to school, particularly when compared to recent years," Mr Malone said.
He noted that 37 percent of families are giving up summer holidays to cope with the cost, while nearly one in five are sacrificing food. That figure has climbed from 13 percent in 2024 to 18 percent this year.
The survey also showed changes in how families are managing these expenses. While 74 percent of parents still rely on their regular income, this is down from 80 percent last year. The use of savings has increased by 7 percent to 42 percent, and the number of parents turning to credit union loans has tripled from 4 percent in 2024 to 12 percent in 2025.
The ILCU also explored attitudes toward the Government’s free hot meals scheme, which has expanded to all primary schools. More than three-quarters of parents support the initiative, with 66 percent saying it guarantees their children get lunch and 56 percent citing reduced lunch costs as a key benefit.
Among the survey’s other findings:
78 percent of schools request a voluntary contribution
59 percent of parents shop online for better deals on supplies
Nearly two in three parents feel pressured to buy branded clothing and footwear
35 percent of parents are forced to deny their children at least one back-to-school item, with gym gear being the most common item left out
Mr Malone encouraged families feeling financial pressure to reach out to their local credit union for support.
"With 36 percent of households now carrying back-to-school debt of over €500, the pressures are real and growing," he said.
