The Hidden Costs of State Education: Parents Forking Out £14,000 to Keep Children in School

Strategic Insights -

Parents who think their children receive a free education are being left in financial shock as new figures reveal the true cost of keeping their kids in state school. The average cost of sending a child to school from the ages of five to 16 now stands at £14,000, up from £10,000 in 2002, according to Norwich Union's 'School Sums' Index. This translates to £1,300 per child in everyday costs associated with education, with parents collectively forking out £129 billion to put their children through state school.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average cost of sending a child to school from the ages of five to 16 now stands at £14,000, up from £10,000 in 2002.
  • Parents will fork out £1,300 per child in the coming academic year on everyday costs associated with education.
  • Transport is the most expensive consideration, costing £301 a year, with a third of children being driven to school.
  • Parents also spend more on shoes than textbooks, with footwear costing an average of £70 a year.
  • Boys cost their parents more than girls, with extra money going on after-school tuition, clothes, and after-school clubs.
  • Around £550 will be spent on mobile and internet technology during a child's school years.
  • Children will go through 43 shirts or blouses, 48 pairs of trousers, 38 jumpers, and 37 pairs of shoes during their 11 years of compulsory schooling.

Statistics:

  • Average cost of sending a child to school from the ages of five to 16: £14,000.
  • Average cost of everyday expenses associated with education: £1,300 per child.
  • Collective amount spent by parents to put their children through state school: £129 billion.
  • Most expensive consideration: transport, costing £301 a year.
  • Number of parents who spend more on shoes than textbooks: all parents.
  • Average cost of footwear: £70 per year.
  • Number of shirts or blouses children go through during their school years: 43.
  • Number of pairs of trousers children go through: 48.
  • Number of jumpers children go through: 38.
  • Number of pairs of shoes children go through: 37.
  • Difference in cost for boys and girls: boys are £550 more expensive than girls.

Sources:

  • Norwich Union's 'School Sums' Index.
  • An article by Anna Morrell in the Western Mail.