The cost of back-to-school shopping
Back-to-school shopping is increasingly expensive, leaving many families struggling to afford essentials. We look at the cost of school shopping for 2026.
The recent Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act officially became law in April 2026, and is set to make a huge difference to the cost of returning to school.
But, with 4 million children living in poverty and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, these expenses put huge financial pressure on families who are already struggling to manage high energy bills and inflation.
According to Child Poverty Action Group and Loughborough University's Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP), the minimum cost of education in the UK is now over £1,000 a year for a primary school child. For a secondary school pupil, it costs a family a minimum of £2,300 a year (based on 2024 costings).
The Act aims to tackle and bring down school costs by up to £1000 for some families.
It will make 500,000 more children eligible for free school meals, and make sure that every primary school has a free breakfast club.
And, it will cap the number of branded uniform items a school can require at 3 items (plus a tie for secondary schools).
Branded items like PE kits and backpacks with school logos are more expensive and are found only in specialist shops.
As a result, some families have fewer options to buy cheaper alternatives, such as second-hand school uniform sales or school shirts from the supermarket.
On top of expensive uniforms, families must also factor in pencil cases, new shoes, school meals, lunch bags, transport and other back to school essentials.
Child Poverty Action Group revealed that learning materials cost a family £64.66 for a child in primary school, and £449.67 for secondary school.
Technology such as laptops is often necessary for pupils to complete homework and revise for exams. The cost of home Wi-Fi should also be considered here.
These costs add up, forcing some parents and carers to budget for back-to-school shopping across the year, with many reaching out to charities like Action for Children for help.
Schools are meant to give children and young people the opportunity to flourish. But with child poverty at a record high, it can heighten feelings of social exclusion, social anxiety, or shame.
That’s why we work with vulnerable families across the UK to help reduce the financial pressure of back-to-school shopping.
We do this by providing emergency food packages, books, clothing, and school uniforms.
These materials should not be a luxury. Donate today and you could help a vulnerable child thrive at school.
Frequently asked questions about back-to-school costs in the UK
What support is available for families struggling with school costs?
Some schools offer second-hand uniform schemes or financial support. The government has proposed measures to reduce uniform costs, and charities such as Action for Children provide practical help to families facing hardship.
How do high costs affect education?
If a child appears at school without required branded items, they might be excluded from lessons or even sent home. Where children don't have access to breakfast before school, concentrating on learning might prove difficult.
Children and young people may also feel like they stand out for all the wrong reasons if they don't have new stationery or schoolbags, which can lead to a lack of engagement - or refusal to go to school altogether.
Help us give a child the materials they need to thrive
For parents and carers, our Parent Talk website offers free expert tips on how to save money on back to school shopping.
Keep up to date with Action for Children!
Sign up to our newsletter