The new school year will bring updated challenges and a fresh round of stress for parents needing to stretch the limits of their budgets. School fees and the cost of stationery and uniforms have increased since last year, compounding the annual pressure of putting a child through school. A recent survey measured the sentiments of parents, highlighting which school-related financial obligations were causing them the most sleepless nights.
1Life Insurance this week released its annual back-to-school survey in time for the beginning of the 2026 school year. Responses reveal that school fees and uniforms were the costliest items for the majority of parents, with unforeseen financial costs hampering school preparations for four out of every five respondents. An increase in the cost of food, transport and stationery resulted in 70% of households surveyed spending more in 2025 than in previous years.
However, back-to-school stress was almost ubiquitous, with 95% of survey respondents admitting that preparing for the new school year was a stressful event. “Although, the back-to-school season remains a financial and emotional hurdle for many families, this year’s survey data shows encouraging signs of resilience. “Parents are finding creative ways to manage costs and prioritise education, even in the face of rising living expenses,” said money coach and facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money Hayley Parry.
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While school fees and uniforms were the most expensive item 62% of respondents, that figure was down from 75% in the previous year’s survey. Stationary was primary cost concern for 28% of respondents, while either food, transport and extramural costs were a concern for 9% of parents. Lessons learned from previous years allowed 28% of respondents to report improvements in their ability to budget strictly, however, 10% dipped into savings to meet school demands.
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