After the school uniform, books used to be one of the biggest back-to-school costs for parents. The good news for families in Ireland is that things have changed: primary and post-primary state schools now provide schoolbooks on a loan basis under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, so buying a full set of books each September is no longer the norm for most families.
That doesn’t mean back-to-school costs have disappeared, though. There are still real expenses around books and stationery each year — and plenty of ways to keep them under control. Here are our practical money-saving tips for buying school books, updated for how things work now.
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Back to school costs still range from uniforms and school shoes to school bags, lunch boxes and stationery. If you’re outside Ireland, your school or district may work differently, so it’s worth checking directly with them about what’s provided and what you need to buy.
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How to Save Money Buying School Books
#1. Check What You Have
Even with books provided on loan, it’s worth checking what you already have at home before buying anything new. Workbooks usually can’t be reused, but folders, refill pads, dividers and other bits from an older sibling or cousin often can be — and it saves a trip to the shops.
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#2. Plan Ahead and Shop for the Extras Early
Your school books themselves may be provided, but there are usually still items on the list that fall outside the scheme — things like a school journal, a calculator, a dictionary, or extra copies and stationery. As soon as your list comes out, start shopping for these. Retailers often run early-bird offers on stationery in the run-up to September, so it pays to compare prices rather than leaving it to the last week.
#3. Understand Your School’s Book Scheme
In Ireland, primary and post-primary state schools now provide schoolbooks on a loan basis as part of the Free Schoolbooks Scheme. That means the books belong to the school, not your child, and are returned at the end of the year. At post-primary level, schools may ask for a refundable deposit, which you get back once the books are returned in good condition. It’s worth talking to your child about looking after their books over the year, since damage or loss can mean losing that deposit.
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#4. Buy and Sell Secondhand for What Isn’t Covered
For anything that isn’t included in your school’s book scheme — think calculators, dictionaries, atlases or art sets — secondhand can still be a great way to save. Secondhand school book stores and swap groups are also useful for uniforms and other non-book items. If you’re buying secondhand, always double-check you’re getting the right edition or version for your child’s class.
You can often make a little money back by selling on items your child no longer needs, or at least free up some space at home.
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#5. Organise a School Swap Day
If your school doesn’t already do this, suggest a “swap and sell” day near the end of the year, where parents and children can pass on uniforms, sports gear, calculators and other items to families moving into that class the following year. It’s a simple way to cut costs for everyone and reduce waste.
#6. Use Social Channels
Local parent groups and school community pages on social media are a handy way to find (or pass on) uniforms, calculators, PE gear and other items that aren’t covered by the book scheme. A quick post at the start of the summer can save a lot of last-minute shopping in September.
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#7. Check What Support You’re Entitled To
If you’re in Ireland, check whether you’re entitled to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, a means-tested support that helps with the cost of uniforms and shoes. Eligibility and rates are reviewed each year, so check gov.ie for the current details before you apply.
It’s also worth asking your school directly if they offer any local hardship support for families who need help with uniforms, stationery or extracurricular costs — many schools have some flexibility here, even outside the official scheme.
#8. Save Towards Back to School Costs All Year
It sounds simple, and we’re all full of good intentions in September, but putting away a little each month really helps. Add up what you spent last year on uniforms, footwear, stationery, any post-primary book deposit, and extras like school trips or after-school activities, then divide that total by 12 (or 10, if you want a couple of months off). Save that amount each month and you’ll have what you need ready to go for the next school year.
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If you have any further money-saving tips on buying school books, leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are school books free in Ireland now?
Yes. Under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, primary and post-primary state schools provide books, workbooks and core stationery items on a loan basis. Books belong to the school and are returned at the end of the school year.
Do parents still pay anything towards books?
At post-primary level, schools may ask for a refundable deposit, returned once books are handed back in good condition. Primary schools may also charge a small fee for photocopying or extra materials outside the scheme.
What if my child loses or damages a loaned schoolbook?
Check with your child’s school directly, as policies can vary. Generally, damaged or lost books can affect whether a deposit is refunded, so it’s worth encouraging good care of loaned books throughout the year.
Does this apply to families outside Ireland?
No — the Free Schoolbooks Scheme is specific to Ireland. If you’re reading from elsewhere, check with your own school or school district about what’s provided and what you’re expected to buy.
Related Articles
- 44 Simple Ways to Save Money on Back To School
- Where to Buy and Sell Secondhand School Books in Ireland
- 10 Useful Hacks for School Uniforms to Keep You Top of the Class
- 18 Simple Ways to Budget and Save as a Family
Save This for Later
Back-to-school costs creep up fast, so it’s worth bookmarking this page or saving it to your favourites so you have it handy when the school list arrives. Browse our other back-to-school articles for more ways to plan ahead.
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