The majority of parents say covering back-to-school costs is a financial burden for them, with more than one in four getting into debt because of it.The annual back to school survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions took the views of 752 parents across the country in June, with respondents nationally representative by age, gender, region and socio-economic status.Some 59 per cent of parents reported back-to-school costs as a financial burden, while 27 per cent said they were getting into debt to cover the costs.The percentage of those getting into debt is down 6 per cent compared to the survey findings last year, but the average amount of debt is up €54 to€430.David Malone, chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said while it was positive that fewer parents were getting into debt, a split had now emerged.“Some families are managing better, while others are under deeper financial strain. The risk is that families who are already stretched end up turning to expensive short-term debt, or delaying other bills, just to get through the school year,” Malone said. [ Back-to-school payment allowance: Here’s what you need to knowOpens in new window ]Some 23 per cent of parents said they had to deny their children certain back-to-school items because they could not afford them. Some 74 per cent denied their child extracurricular activities, 40 per cent new gym gear, 35 per cent school trips and 30 per cent new shoes.This year, the survey breaks down spending by upfront bills, such as uniforms, books and contributions, and year-round running costs, such as school lunches, trips and extracurricular activities. The research also found that in 2026, primary school parents expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year, made up of €623 in upfront back-to-school costs and a further €984 in running costs over the year.Secondary school parents expect to spend €2,142 this school year, made up of €1,115 in upfront back-to-school costs and €1,027 in running costs.Some 48 per cent of respondents said they felt costs were higher in 2026 than last year, with school uniforms, branded clothing and school trips being the main reasons given for that rise. One parent who participated in the research, a mother of one from Co Kilkenny, said: “Crested uniforms should be made a lot cheaper. My teenager’s school has just introduced a branded PE kit which costs in excess of €300 for the basic trousers, jumper and T-shirt, on top of the crested uniform.”The findings also show 81 per cent of parents said their child’s school asked for a “voluntary” contribution, up from 78 per cent in 2025.