The hidden cost of sending children to state schools is forcing families to cut back on life's basics, according to a new report.
The Children's Commission on Poverty said some families felt embarrassed because they could not afford the cost of uniforms, school dinners, trips and computers, which could amount to £800 per child each year.
The inquiry, led by a panel of 16 children and supported by the Children's Society, surveyed 2,000 parents nationwide. More than half said they had to cut back on basics such as food, clothing or heating to pay for school costs.
For those who considered themselves 'not well-off' that figure rose to 95 per cent.
The report said more than half of children had avoided asking their parents or guardian to spend money on school-related items because they were worried about the cost.
Children from "not well-off" families said they felt embarrassed because their parents struggled to meet spending expectations, and 27 per cent said they had been bullied as a result.
School uniforms cost an average of £118 and the report recommended schools should choose a simple, coloured uniform, available with sew-on logos to make them more affordable.
The average annual cost of school meals was £168, according to the report, which recommended all schools should have a cashless system to avoid the stigma associated with free school meals for less well-off children.
Hull City Council is committed to cutting the cost of school meals for primary school children from £1 to 50p.
The city's Health and Wellbeing Board granted a £500,000 subsidy three months ago.
However, schools have come under fire because many have still not passed on the savings to parents and are unlikely to introduce the price cut before next year.
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