Top of the nation: What South Australian parents will have to spend to send a child to school in 2024

Families should brace for a back-to-school budget blowout, with SA leading the nation in forking out to send a child to school in 2024.

South Australian parents are bracing for a back-to-school budget blowout with families expected to fork out more than any other state – spending around $1300 per child this year.

Data from Officeworks reveals the cost of buying school supplies and uniforms has increased by $764 – or 135 per cent – compared to 2020 research from YouGov’s Annual Back to School Research Report when spending came in at $568.

Parents in SA will spend on average $1332 on school supplies and are, alongside Victorians at $1285, paying above the national average of $1182.

Unsurprisingly, electronics are the most costly with parents expected to spend close to $500 nationally.

South Australians will be forced to cough up the most for new technology around the country with an average spend of $655 compared to $414 for Queenslanders.

The state comes in third for uniforms and textbooks with an average price of $257 and $114 respectively.

Stationery will also set back families $84 per child.

The research, based on 1003 parents, found on average families need to replace most supplies two times during the school year.

More than 80 per cent said they are concerned about the rising costs, particularly of technology.

Rebecca McHugh shopping with sons: Year 3 student Hamish, 8, and Henry, 4, at Officeworks in Croydon. Picture: Morgan Sette

Lockleys mum of two, Rebecca McHugh, sends her eldest son to St Francis School.

Out shopping for stationary on Sunday, Ms McHugh said she was thankful Year 3 student Hamish hadn’t had a growth spurt so uniforms weren’t back on the back to school shopping list – yet.

“We’ve spent about $100 already just in stationary,” she said.

“We haven’t gotten to his uniforms yet.”

Sean and Yanni Tan’s only child Anya, 6, is starting reception this year.

They have already forked out more than $500 on uniforms and still need to buy a bag, hat and shoes.

“It is a lot … you have to buy at least 3-4 shirts and girls get dresses, and leggings, and jumpers,” Ms Tan of Hallett Cove said.

“And we just have one kid, if you have three or four it’s worse,” Mr Tan said.

But as Anya starts growing, her mum is worried about how much her schooling at Immanuel Primary School will add up.

“I guess we will just need to work harder to make more money and with inflation the prices will go up,” she said.

Sean and Yanni Tan with their daughter Anya, 6, who is starting reception at Immanuel Primary School. Picture: Morgan Sette

Finder consumer research head Graham Cooke said the cost of paying for school supplies would cause “significant stress” for some families.

“As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, it’s become increasingly challenging for parents to provide their children with all the supplies they need for the school year,” he said.

Mr Cooke recommended parents reuse whatever they could from previous years.

“Your kids don’t always need brand new things, and there are plenty of items like hats, stationary, and school bags that should outlast the school year,” he said.

“Where you can, source second hand items such as uniforms and textbooks – this can save you hundreds of dollars.”

Officeworks merchandise general manager Jim Berndelis said the financial cost was “top of mind” for parents who spent on average two hours per child preparing for the new school year.

“That’s a significant investment, particularly for families with multiple children, so it’s no surprise that families are looking for ways to save time, money and stress,” he said.