Total value of college necessities from Reception to Year 11 provides as much as big sum

Parents are forking out more than a whopping £1,400 to kit out their kids with the latest back-to-school gear over their school years.

A survey of 1,200 parents with school-aged tots revealed that shelling out £120 at the start of each academic year is pretty standard.

This hefty sum goes towards new kicks, snazzy pencil cases, and swanky lunchboxes. After adding it all up from Reception to Year 11, parents are coughing up a total of £1,440.

According to the study, a massive 73% of parents admit they get in a tizz over the cost of back-to-school shopping, while half have had to slash their own grocery budget just to cover it.

The penny-pinching research comes from Aldi, who are rolling out a Back-to-School Fund to give parents a bit of a breather when September hits.

Aldi’s own Liz Fox, eco-boss extraordinaire, said: “We know the back-to-school period can be a real pinch point for family finances, especially after having to contend with keeping the kids entertained during the summer school holidays.”

She added, “We’re committed to doing whatever we can to support parents in making their money go further. And if you thought that was good, Aldis top brass promised, That’s why we’re giving families an extra helping hand via our initiative this September.”

The study revealed that on average school munchkin will burn through 70 polo tops and 60 pairs of trousers during their time in school. Crikey!

While a whopping 70% of parents always purchase clothes in larger sizes to ensure they last longer for their child, a significant 63% admit to passing items down to their younger offspring.

Almost half (47%) find August the most financially challenging month when it comes to school shopping, with a staggering 75% claiming secondary school is the priciest when buying essentials.

Aside from uniforms, a quarter find textbooks or additional learning materials among the costliest items to purchase. Meanwhile, 20% feel that bags and lunchboxes can also add up.

The study also revealed that parents will spend on average just over £100-a-month throughout the school year on packed lunches.

According to the OnePoll.com data, a concerning 62% confess what they give their child for lunch should be healthier than it currently is.

In an effort to keep costs low, 58%shop at discount supermarkets, and 33% make the same thing every day. Sandwiches (66%), crisps (52%) and fruit (65%) are among the most common lunchbox items.

Speaking about the fund, which is open until September 30th 2024 and can be applied for by emailing [email protected], Liz Fox said: “Throughout September, we’re giving parents the chance to apply for vouchers worth £100”

“[This is] to help cover the cost of things like packed lunches, and other essentials they’ll need to stock up on throughout the school year.”

“We’re also donating £20,000 to good causes focused on supporting children. This includes schools and nurseries through our community giving platform, Neighbourly, to help provide essentials to families that need it most.”