World News for Students of English

02-09-2025 07:00

In many European countries, families are facing growing school expenses, which often rise faster than inflation.

The largest costs usually come from textbooks, which in Spain and Italy can represent over 70% of the total. In Italy, consumer groups complain that families must often buy new editions instead of second-hand books, creating unnecessary costs. Spanish families pay around 500 euros yearly, most of it for books.

Germany faces some of the highest costs, with families spending about 3,600 euros per year, well above inflation. School trips, reaching 2,000 euros annually, are the main burden, although some states limit spending. In the UK, costs grew by 30% in just two years, mostly because of food. Meals and snacks for one secondary pupil can exceed 900 euros a year, while uniforms remain expensive for families with more children.

France is the exception. Families there spend only around 211 euros yearly, thanks to a recycling system for textbooks and a government allowance of 450 euros per pupil, which reduces the overall pressure.

Difficult words: burden (a heavy problem or responsibility), allowance (money given regularly to help with costs).

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