Queensland back to school costs skyrocket as parents forecast to fork out $3k per kid
New research has uncovered the staggering amount Queensland parents will spend per child on school supplies in 2024.
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School supplies will cost Queensland parents up to $3000 per child in 2024, with families expecting to fork out $1100 as many as three times during the school year, new research has revealed.
Parents expect to spend on average $1114 on school supplies – the second cheapest in the country, just behind Western Australia on $1103, and just below the national average of $1,182.
But they will be forced to cough up the most for uniforms and textbooks across the country, with an average price of $258 and $94 respectively.
Unsurprisingly, electronics are the most costly with parents expecting to spend $414, while stationery will set back families $114 per child.
The Officeworks research, based on responses of 1003 parents, found on average Queensland families need to replace most supplies three times during the school year, meaning total stationery spends could exceed $3000, if parents needed to replace all stationery, textbook and technology items.
Queenslanders were also the most concerned in the country when it came to rising back to school costs, especially expensive technology purchases.
On top of supplies, tuition for Queensland primary school pupils costs a whopping $4,789 on average for independent schools, $2235 for Catholic schools, and $205 for government schools, according to new Finder data.
Fees for Queensland secondary schools cost on average $12,510 for independent schools, $6006 for Catholic schools and $551 for government schools.
Other hidden expenses include transport to and from school, costing $530 for primary pupils and $632 for secondary students, and school camps, coming in at $323 and $458 respectively.
The research found tuition fees and voluntary school contributions are 39 per cent higher in major cities compared to regional areas.
Head of consumer research at Finder Graham Cooke said the cost of paying for school supplies will 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 can 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 General Manager of merchandise Jim Berndelis said the financial cost is “top of mind” for parents, particularly those with multiple children.
He said Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become an increasingly popular time for customers to get a head start on their shopping, with parents expected to spend 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.
Officeworks run programs, including School List Service, Bring Your Own Device purchasing assistance and Price Beat Guarantee, to help parents shop around for the best deal.
What parents expect to spend on school supplies - Officeworks
Electronics – $414
Uniforms – $258
Textbooks – $94
Stationery – $144
Total – $1114
Average Queensland school tuitions – Finder
Primary:
Independent – $4789
Catholic – $2235
State – $205
Secondary:
Independent – $12,510
Catholic – $6006
State – $551
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Originally published as Queensland back to school costs skyrocket as parents forecast to fork out $3k per kid
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