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Revealed: The real cost of a ‘free’ education

School children in a Year 5 class at a primary school in Yorkshire
School children in a Year 5 class at a primary school in Yorkshire (PA Archive)
  • The cost of sending children to state schools in the UK has risen sharply since 2022, exceeding both inflation and wage growth.
  • The annual cost for secondary school is now approximately £2,275, while primary school costs exceed £1,000.
  • Increased food costs, technology needs, and higher subject-specific expenses for secondary students contribute to the rising costs.
  • The Child Poverty Action Group is urging the Government to expand free school meals and provide financial aid for uniforms to alleviate the burden on families.
  • The government says it has reduced uniform costs and invested in breakfast clubs but faces pressure to address child poverty comprehensively.
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