Education

How education costs force parents to choose between essentials

Ritchelle Drilon
February 12, 2026

For many Australian families, education is increasingly accompanied by a growing list of hidden costs.

While public schooling is often described as free, new national research shows that essentials such as laptops, uniforms and stationery are placing sustained pressure on household budgets — particularly as broader cost-of-living pressures persist.

A survey of 500 parents of school-aged children found that 37 per cent are worried about affording essential education items this year. Nearly one in three parents (31 per cent) say they are more concerned than last year about meeting these costs, and almost half (48 per cent) report that the ‘hidden costs’ of education are adding to their overall cost-of-living stress.

More than one in three parents (34 per cent) believe education-related expenses are “out of control”.

The Digital Divide and Uniform Fatigue

The days when a pencil case and a notepad were sufficient are long gone. The research shows that digital tools now top the list of parental anxieties, with one in four parents (24%) worried about affording laptops, tablets, or reliable internet access.

Following closely behind is the cost of uniforms, shoes, and clothing (22%), and general school supplies (14%). Even the most basic necessities, such as lunch boxes and drink bottles, are a source of worry for 9% of families.

Susan Wallis, Head of Government and Philanthropy at Good360 Australia, notes that these expenses trigger a ripple effect that goes far beyond the bank balance.

“When parents are worried about affording education essential like clothing, stationery and drink bottles, the impact is felt deeply, causing concern, stress and difficult trade-offs. These pressures are ongoing and often invisible, but they have lasting consequences for children’s confidence and wellbeing,” Ms Wallis said.

Sacrificing Essentials to Keep Up

The pressure to ensure children do not miss out is forcing families into precarious financial positions. The data reveals that one in five families (19%) have had to sacrifice other household essentials just to cover education costs. Even more concerning, one in eight (12%) have relied on credit cards or loans to pay for school items.

For approximately 9% of parents, the gap is simply too wide to bridge, reporting that they have recently been unable to afford essential items entirely.

“No family should have to choose between education essentials and other basic needs. Education should open doors, but sadly for too many families, the cost of education items can create barriers for their child to participate fully and thrive,” Ms Wallis said.

The Waste Solution

The irony of this scarcity is that it exists in a landscape of surplus. Good360, which has redirected more than 45.8 million items since 2015, argues that the solution lies in the circular economy. By connecting businesses that have surplus new goods with the schools and charities that need them, the pressure on families can be alleviated while simultaneously reducing landfill.

“That’s why Good360 works to connect donated, surplus new education items with the young people, families, communities and schools that need them most. Access to the right items at the right time can make the world of difference to a child’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging, but there’s much more that can be done to ensure no child goes without,” Ms Wallis said.

The organisation is calling on the business sector to view their excess stock not as waste, but as a potential lifeline for students.

“When so many families and young people are doing it tough, surplus education essentials should not be sitting in warehouses or heading to landfill. By donating these items, businesses can help relieve pressure on families, support children to participate fully at school, while also reducing waste and costs. It’s a win-win and a no-brainer,” Wallis said.