ILCU Publishes ROI Back To School Research

New research published by the ILCU shows school costs are weighing heavily on families, with 59% of parents saying covering back to school costs is a financial burden and more than one in four getting into debt.

Conducted by iReach Insights in June 2026, the survey received responses from 752 parents. The survey has been updated this year to provide a broader picture of school costs, from the first back to school bill to year-round running costs.

The survey has found that 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 are spending €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 half of parents feel that back to school costs are higher this year, with school uniforms, branded or crested items and school trips cited as the main reasons

The full survey results can be viewed here