Cork families are struggling with costs as new school term looms

Cork families are among those being hit by a wide mix of hard-to-plan-for expenses across the school year as the pressure from back-to-school costs changes rather than disappears.

New research from the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) shows school costs continue to weigh heavily on families, with almost 60% of parents saying covering back-to-school costs is a financial burden.

Conducted by iReach Insights in June, the survey received responses from 752 parents. This year’s back-to-school survey also captures additional costs, like devices, branded sports clothing, school lockers, and grinds.

For 2026, primary school parents told the survey they expect to spend a total of €1,607 across the school year. This is made up of €623 in upfront back-to-school costs, as well as a further €984 in running costs over the year.

Post-primary school parents expect to spend €2,142 across the school year in 2026, made up of €1,115 in upfront back-to-school costs and €1,027 in running costs.

Almost one in four parents (23%) said they are forced to deny their children certain items because they cannot afford them.

Technology is also emerging as a pressure point, particularly at second level, despite moves in recent years to introduce supports such as free schoolbooks and school meals to help to reduce the costs that families face.

Uniforms remain a clear pressure point, with 57% of parents saying they feel under pressure from their children to buy branded clothing, footwear, and other items.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) wrote to schools in 2025 and 2026, asking them to use generic uniforms when possible, and to review existing arrangements with suppliers. However, 43% of parents told the ILCU that lower-cost options such as second-hand uniforms or supermarket alternatives were not available.

Parents also said they expected to spend €118 on grinds and other resources at post-primary level.