Back to school looks very different for Irish families than it did even a few years ago. Schoolbooks, workbooks and copies are now provided free in primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme, and primary school children get a free hot meal under the Hot School Meals programme. That takes two of the biggest old costs off the list entirely – so this guide focuses on where your money actually goes now: uniforms, shoes, bags, secondary school lunches, travel and after school activities. Here are 35 ways to save money on back to school that still genuinely work.
School Uniforms
If your school has a crested uniform that can only be bought in one or two local retailers, there are still plenty of ways to save.
- Check if your school offers second hand uniforms for sale, either from other parents, lost and found, or a uniform sale day.
- Avail of any 3 for 2 offers on school uniform items and buy two that can be used right away and a larger size for later in the year.
- Check out local charity shops – you will often find school blazers, ties and other school items for sale.
- Most specialist retailers offer early purchase discounts to beat the August rush. If you buy early, remember you usually have a 28 day exchange window if your child has a growth spurt over the break.
- Check with your school whether you can buy the crest separately and add it to a generic uniform.
- See if the previous year’s uniform still fits, or if the hems can be let down.
- Buy the crested items only from the schoolwear specialist and get generic items such as shirts, polo shirts and skirts from department stores or online.
- Ask friends with older children if they have secondhand uniforms – a quick message to the class group often works.
School Shoes
Many schools have a strict policy on footwear, so shoes are still a real cost.
- Unless you are sure your child will wear them beyond the first couple of terms, buy less expensive school shoes and invest instead in winter boots that will last.
- Look out for buy one get one half price offers at sports shops and specialist shops.
- Check department and discount stores for end of line offers.
- Invest in one good pair of school shoes that are only worn for school.
- If you are certain of the size, compare prices online before buying.
School Bags
- Check if last year’s bag is still good – a quality schoolbag often lasts more than one year, and unlike uniforms, kids do not grow out of them.
- Buy in the sales the previous year.
- Check your local sports or discount store for offers – a good sports rucksack makes a great schoolbag.
- Encourage your child to only bring home the books they need each night. It saves wear on the bag and their back.
- Still hunting for the right one? Check out our top picks for this school year.
A schoolbag should suit your child’s height and shape – a heavy, badly fitting bag is a false economy at any price.
Stationery and the Pencil Case
The schoolbooks scheme now covers copies, journals and core classroom materials, so the old bulk-buying advice is mostly retired. What is left is small but worth doing.
- Go through last year’s pencil case first – rulers, colours and glue sticks often survive the summer.
- Pick up pencil case bits in supermarket and discount store bundles rather than branded sets.
- Label everything. Most lost property never comes home because it is identical to everyone else’s.
Lunches
Primary school children can now get a free hot meal at school, though a national survey in early 2026 found many families still send a lunch as well, whether for taste or preference – so budget for whichever way your children actually eat. Secondary students outside DEIS schools still bring or buy lunch every day, and that is where the savings are.
- Check if last year’s lunchbox and bottle survive a good scrub before buying new – and a refillable water bottle pays for itself in the first week.
- Do a weekend bulk shop and make lunches at home – cheaper and usually healthier than bought lunches every day.
- Buy fruit that is in season – it is noticeably cheaper than out of season alternatives.
- If you are buying new, discount stores have a good selection, or check out these eco-friendly products.
Getting to School
- Check if your child is eligible for the school bus or, for older children, a travel pass on public transport.
- If you have to drive, car pool with other parents who live locally – it saves money, time and stress.
- If school is nearby, consider walking, cycling or scooting.
- Ask whether your school encourages Park and Stride – park a little away and walk the last stretch.
After School Activities
When it comes to activities, the golden rule is try before you buy.
- Ask for a taster session before paying for a term – children often want to attend because everyone else is going, and may change their minds after a week.
- If an activity needs specialist equipment, ask the club about spares for the first few weeks, or borrow and buy secondhand until you are sure your child will stick with it.
- Check whether you can pay weekly or per term rather than a full year up front.
- Ask about extra fees during the year – entry fees for competitions or galas add up and change the real price of an activity.
- Use vouchers and discount codes when you see them, and remember the usual 28 day exchange window if kit needs swapping.
One Habit That Beats Them All
- Put a little away each week across the year towards back to school. August is far kinder to families who started saving in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is actually free for school in Ireland now?
Schoolbooks, ebooks, workbooks, copybooks, journals, calculators and core classroom resources are provided free in primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. Primary school children also receive a free hot meal under the Hot School Meals programme. Uniforms, shoes, bags and secondary school lunches remain the main costs for parents.
What are the biggest back to school costs left for parents?
Uniforms are usually the single biggest cost, followed by shoes and a school bag. For secondary families, daily lunches add up over the year, and after school activities can quietly become the largest cost of all once fees and equipment are counted.
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