A recent poll has highlighted how the cost of school essentials such as uniforms, transport, and trips is preventing some children from accessing education, leading to calls for the government to address child poverty. With living standards in the spotlight, one charity emphasises the importance of ensuring that children are not “locked out of learning”.
Have your say! Has school become too expensive? Have you, or someone you know, struggled with the extra costs of education? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
According to a survey conducted by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), financial constraints pose significant barriers for children in completing their education. With over 1700 secondary schools providing insight, 47% of the surveyed participants admitted to skipping school due to incorrect uniform or sports kit, as reported by the Mirror.
In an alarming statistic, 26% of pupils have foregone schooling because they couldn’t afford transport, and 27% have missed out on school trips due to financial difficulties.
Notably, students who benefit from free school meals find themselves over twice as likely to be sent home for uniform violations. The use of branded clothing in UK secondary schools further exacerbates the issue, with approximately two-thirds insisting on specific uniform items.
The government in England aims to limit branded uniform elements to three, four if counting a tie. However, CPAG is urging more decisive action to eliminate the financial barriers to education, ensuring that no child is deprived of learning opportunities due to economic hardship.
Kate Anstey of CPAG highlighted the struggle children in poverty face in accessing education, stating: “Children in poverty aren’t getting the real deal at school because they don’t have money to participate – or even get to the school gates. From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health, lack of money at home means young people are missing school – effectively priced out of the system.”
She urged action from the government, adding: “Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids aren’t locked out of learning – including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals.”
Responding to these comments, a government spokesperson emphasised their commitment: “We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce, breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity.”
“This government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities. Through our Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require, which alongside free breakfast clubs could put £500 a year back into working parents’ pockets.”
Have your say! Has school become too expensive? Have you, or someone you know, struggled with the extra costs of education? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
