Parents could be spending more than £15,500 on hidden school costs over the course of a child’s education.
Nationwide Building Society, based in Swindon, revealed that the total covers clubs, uniforms, trips and other school-related expenses.
School clubs made up the largest share, with parents spending an average of £700 per year - totaling £9,100 over a child’s school life.
Fred Powell, head of current accounts at Nationwide, said: "Our research confirms what many families already know: back-to-school costs can quickly add up.
"Clubs and trips all play an important role in a child’s school experience, helping them learn new skills, build confidence and make new friends and also help cover childcare gaps.
"Then of course there is the school uniform."
The research found that 36 per cent of children attend around two different clubs during the school year, costing parents £11 per session on average.
Football (38 per cent), swimming (17 per cent), and creative clubs (13 per cent) topped the list of most popular activities.
Parents also spend an average of £381 per year on uniforms and sports kits, replacing about 25 items annually due to loss or wear and tear.
School shoes are the most expensive item at £43 on average, followed by PE trainers (£42) and blazers (£37).
School trips also add to the financial burden.
Nearly all children attend at least one day trip each year, and about half go on a residential trip.
Of those, 49 per cent of parents spent more than £100 per child.
Nearly half of parents (49 per cent) said they feel stressed about the cost of returning to school.
To manage expenses, families are cutting back on eating out and takeaways (37 per cent), entertainment (22 per cent), and holidays and travel (21 per cent).
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