ALTHOUGH EDUCATION IS meant to be free in Ireland, parents are spending hundreds every year sending their child to school.

Excluding sports equipment, school bag, transport costs or extracurricular activities, a 10-year-old child in fourth class can cost around €390, while a 12-year-old beginning secondary school can cost parents twice that – €770.

The figures come from a 2012 report by children’s charity Barnardos. This year, they are asking parents again to share their experiences of the financial burden of education, and they will present these findings to Government.

So today, we want to know what school costs are like for you? Poll: How much does it cost to send your child to school?

Poll Results:

Nothing, I do not have kids (838)

300 Euro to 500 Euro (542)

500 Euro to 700 Euro (486)

Over 700 Euro (449)

100 Euro to 300 Euro (251)

Up to 100 Euro (31)

Up to 100 Euro
100 Euro to 300 Euro
300 Euro to 500 Euro
500 Euro to 700 Euro
Over 700 Euro
Nothing, I do not have kids

Related: How much does it cost you to send your child to school?>

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Poll: How much does it cost to send your child to school?

Poll Results:

Related: How much does it cost you to send your child to school?>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.