The Staggering Cost of Sending a Child to School: A £14,000 Bill

As parents prepare their children for the new school year, they may be alarmed to learn that the average cost of sending one child to school this year will be a staggering £1,300, and by the time pupils leave at 16, their parents will have spent £14,000. The biggest expense is transport, with £301 spent per year on driving children to school. Additionally, £270 is spent annually on food, while £70 is spent on average on shoes, surpassing the cost of textbooks. Boys are more expensive than girls, with extra costs going towards after-school tuition, clothes, and clubs.

Key Takeaways:

• The average cost of sending one child to school is £1,300 this year, and £14,000 by the time they leave at 16.
• Transport costs £301 per year, making it the biggest expense for parents.
• Food costs £270 per year, while shoes cost £70 per year on average, surpassing the cost of textbooks.
• Boys are more expensive than girls due to extra costs on after-school tuition, clothes, and clubs.
• Technology costs parents £550 per year, equivalent to the cost of sports kits.
• Parents of boys spend extra money on afterschool clubs and clothes, making boys more expensive than girls.
• The cost of stationery and other school supplies can be significantly reduced through careful planning.

Statistics:

• Average cost of sending one child to school: £1,300 per year, £14,000 by the age of 16.
• Transport costs: £301 per year.
• Food costs: £270 per year.
• Shoe costs: £70 per year on average.
• Technology costs: £550 per year.
• Percentage of parents who drive children to school: 33%.
• Cost of stationery and equipment: significantly reduced through careful planning.

Sources:

• Norwich Union