The Hidden Costs of ‘Free’ Education: UK State School Expenses on the Rise

Recent research by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) reveals a significant increase in the cost of sending children to state schools in the UK. These rising expenses are outpacing both inflation and wage growth, placing additional financial strain on families.

Key Findings:

• Secondary School Costs: The minimum annual cost for a child attending secondary school is now approximately £2,275, up from £1,755 in 2022—a 30% increase.
• Primary School Costs: For primary school students, the annual cost has risen from nearly £865 in 2022 to over £1,000 in 2025, marking a 16% increase.
• Contributing Factors: The surge in costs is attributed to higher food prices, increased demand for educational materials and technology, and additional expenses for subject-specific resources.

Implications:

These escalating costs challenge the notion of free education and may hinder children’s access to a full educational experience. CPAG urges the government to expand free school meals and provide more financial support to families.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-primary-school-cost-increase-b2747106.html

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