Low-income families are seeing their children pushed out of certain subjects in secondary school due to financial constraints, a study by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) reveals. Costs associated with GCSE subjects, such as fieldwork trips for geography, foreign language exchanges, music instrument lessons, food and nutrition ingredients, and PE equipment, are posing barriers for these students.
According to CPAG’s research, 23% of secondary school pupils on free school meals (FSM) have refrained from selecting certain subjects due to cost concerns, in contrast to only 9% of non-FSM students. FSM students are also more likely to prioritize costs when choosing subjects, with 29% considering it essential compared to 11% of their wealthier peers. Additionally, 30% of FSM students find it challenging to afford necessary homework resources, including technology.
CPAG’s previous study showed that families spend a minimum of £2,274.77 annually on secondary school expenses, with around £449.67 allocated to items like stationery and calculators. Kate Anstey, CPAG’s head of education policy, emphasized that disadvantaged children are being excluded from certain subjects due to financial constraints, hindering their educational opportunities.
The organization urged the government to enhance financial support for families and invest in children’s futures by eliminating the two-child limit in its upcoming child poverty strategy. Anstey highlighted the need for concrete actions to align with the Prime Minister’s commitment to providing every child with a strong foundation for success.
A recent survey by Parentkind found that nearly half of parents are worried about the cost of school uniforms, with 29% willing to sacrifice heating or food to afford them. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposed by the government includes a provision to limit the number of branded uniform items that schools in England can mandate.
In response, a Department for Education spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing educational inequalities and ensuring that costs do not hinder access to curriculum subjects or exam materials for students. Initiatives such as limiting branded uniform items, expanding free school meals to families on Universal Credit, and introducing free breakfast clubs nationwide are aimed at easing financial burdens on parents.
Survation conducted a survey on behalf of CPAG, interviewing 1,701 secondary school students in the UK between April 17 and May 1 to gather insights on these financial challenges faced by families.