Survey reveals hidden costs of state education

Parents with children in school, who wonder where on earth all their money goes, may find the answers in a new survey revealing the true cost of state education. Researchers have estimated that the cost of sending a child to state school between the ages of 5 to 16 costs a whopping £14,000!

The figure, which is made up of clothing, food and kit costs works out at almost £1300 per child per school year with the single most expensive cost being transport – estimated at an average of £301 per child per year. And anyone thinking that having packed lunches saves them money can think again; the survey found that school dinners was on average the cheaper option.

Simon Quick, of Norwich Union, which commissioned the research, said: 'Many parents think of state schools as being free but the costs are significant. This quickly racks up for families with two or three children and with the increase over the last four years, parents need to consider the increasing needs and demands of our children.'

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