Back-to-School Budgeting Squeeze: 40% Of Parents Anxious About Affording Essentials, Loqbox Reveals
As the back-to-school rush begins, new research from award-winning credit-building business, Loqbox, reveals that 40% of UK parents feel anxious about the cost of school essentials this year.
The survey of UK parents aged 18 to 45 highlights the growing financial and emotional burden on families, as rising living costs, holiday spending and the new school term collide.
Only one in four (25%) budget their back-to-school spending in advance – down from 35% last year – while 19% are turning to second-hand or discounted items (almost double last year), and 23% are relying on credit cards or loans to get through the season.
UK parents spend an average of £108.59 per child on school uniforms alone, with shoes, blazers and stationery making up the largest chunk. The real total is often much higher once tech, lunchboxes, childcare costs, travel, and extracurricular activities are factored in.
One parent put it bluntly: “Terrifying. It’s all so expensive.”
While anxiety levels have dipped slightly from 47% in 2024, the findings point to a shift in how families manage the pressure, with many becoming more resourceful – spreading purchases, swapping uniforms in community groups, and increasing use of BNPL services (14% this year).
Another parent admitted: “It’s hard. I’ll probably use a credit card or Klarna again.”
This year, the UK government introduced new rules to limit branded items and encourage schools to adopt value-for-money guidelines, projecting £73 million in annual savings for families. But with 8.3 million families in the UK with dependent children, and only around half likely to benefit, the saving per family is just £8.76 to £18.25.
To put this into perspective:
£8.76 would cover a small two-pack of cardigans
£18.25 could buy a pair of trousers (£7), a three-pack of polo shirts (£4.50), and two sweatshirts (£4), with £3.25 left over – still leaving shoes, PE kits, coats, and multiples of the above unaccounted for
School uptake of the new rules has also been inconsistent, and many parents have yet to feel the benefit.
Loqbox, which helps people build their credit and improve financial habits, says the findings highlight the need for more support – not just in policy, but in accessible tools, education, and open conversations about money.
“No parent should feel ashamed or alone when it comes to money,” said Tom Eyre, CEO and Co-Founder of Loqbox. “The seasonal squeeze is real, and families need practical support to navigate it. That’s why we’re providing budgeting tips, credit-building tools, and a free back-to-school guide to help ease the pressure.”
Loqbox’s tips for smarter school prep:
Check uniforms early – Dig out last year’s uniform and avoid panic spending by checking what still fits. You might be surprised how much you can reuse.
Swap before you shop – Community groups or school exchanges can save serious money.
Spread the cost – Buy a few bits early and the rest later in the month and throughout September to avoid one big hit to your bank balance.
Label everything – Reduce replacement costs by naming items up front.
“The message from parents is clear: the financial pressure is real, but so is their determination to do the best they can with what they’ve got,” Tom adds.
