01 August 2025
ILCU Back to School research shows that 1 in 3 are now getting into debt
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has published the 2025 results of its annual Back to School survey in both ROI and NI. The surveys track the costs and impacts of children returning to school as well as broader cost of living factors.
The key findings in ROI from this year’s report include:
The total cost of sending a child back to school now stands at €1,450 for primary school and €1,560 for secondary school
1 in 3 parents (33%) are now going into debt to cover back-to-school costs
The average debt per parent has risen to €376, compared to €368 last year.
35% of parents say they’ve had to deny their child at least one essential school item due to costs.
78% of schools ask for a ‘voluntary’ contribution.Full report may be viewed here
