The rising cost of Back to School week causes headaches in Oldham

The benefits of school uniforms have often been a big bone of contention for many families

Over half (58%) of parents across Oldham claim the rising cost of sending their child back to school this week has put their family under financial strain, according to a new study launched today (Wednesday). 

The survey, by leading shopping price comparison site, idealo.co.uk, which helps parents shop for less, found that 28-per-cent of parents in the region have spent over £100 on school uniforms for the new term.

Eleven-per-cent have spent over £200 on educational equipment such as laptops, iPads, calculators and stationery.

To make matters worse, around two thirds (63%) of parents admitted they feel under pressure to buy the most expensive sports gear and school trips for their children, with a worrying seven-per-cent saying their child had been teased about it in the playground.

Over a quarter (28%) said they put personal pressure on themselves to kit out their child with the best clobber, whilst 20-per-cent are subjected to their child pestering them and eight-per-cent are concerned about losing face with other parents at the school gate.

The rise of technology is cited as largely to blame for rising costs.

A fifth (21%) of parents are frustrated that they have to fork out for the latest gadgets and laptops for the school term – a problem few parents needed to worry about years ago.

The benefits of school uniforms have often been a big bone of contention for many families.

A whopping 90-per-cent of respondents are in favour of them, with 31-per-cent grateful that it avoids them buying lots of school outfits for their child and 59-per-cent believing it helps their child feel equal amongst their peers.

Nationally, parents in Bristol (71%) have felt the back to school pinch the most and claim it has put their family under financial strain - closely followed by Birmingham (62%) and 59-per-cent in Liverpool and Belfast.

Idealo’s Katy Phillips said of the findings: “It’s clear from our research that the cost of sending a child back to school this week has put a major financial burden on parents.

"From purchasing the latest ‘tech’ to ensuring your child has the big-name sports brands, the costs can easily spiral.”

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