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Australian families worried about affording back to school essentials in 2026

08 January 2026

As Australian students prepare to return to school, the latest Pulse Survey of families
supported by national children’s education charity The Smith Family, shows more than 4 out
of 5 are worried about being able to afford everything their children need for the new school
year.

The survey results are a timely reminder that cost-of-living pressures are exacerbating
struggles for families already experiencing disadvantage, and putting children at a risk of
falling behind and disengaging with their learning.

When asked specifically about the items they worry their children will miss out on, 56% of
families surveyed said digital devices and 40% said basics such as shoes and uniforms.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says the impact of students not having everything they
need for school can have serious and wide-ranging implications.

“From the moment students step through the school gate on their first day, not having the
correct shoes or uniform can make them feel different and severely impact their confidence,”
Mr. Taylor says.

“Meanwhile, lack of access to items such as digital devices - which are now essential,
particularly for high school - often leaves students unable to fully participate in their
education today and locks them out of the workforce tomorrow.”

Today The Smith Family is launching its 2026 Back to School Appeal, aiming to secure over
3,500 new sponsors, so more children in need can access its flagship Learning for Life
scholarship program.

“It’s a sad fact that in Australia today, 1 in 6 children are growing up experiencing the effects
of poverty, which as we know has a negative impact on their ability to make the most of their
education,” Taylor says.

“Research tells us that by Year 9 a student who experiences disadvantage can be 4 to 5
years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy.”

“The start of the school year is a pivotal time to set children up with the tools they need to
make the most of their education. We’re calling on those generous Australians who can, to
give a child in need the support to reach their full potential and create a better future for
themselves.”

A crucial part of The Smith Family’s long-term commitment to students is ensuring every
Learning for Life family is digitally connected.

Over the last seven years more than 14,000 laptops have been distributed to families, yet
44% of students are still not digitally included, meaning they don’t have access to a laptop or
tablet, in a household with mobile or broadband internet.

The importance of ensuring every student is digitally connected is evident in the fact that
93% of parents, in a different survey, reported that the digital support received has helped
their children with schooling.

See the full Pulse Survey results here.

To donate or sponsor visit thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor-a-child.

All 1,109 respondents to this survey are parents and carers whose children are supported by
The Smith Family

Key Pulse Survey findings

56% think their children are likely to miss out on the digital devices needed for their
schoolwork because they won’t be able to afford them
43.9% think their children will miss out on educational activities outside of school
40.8% think their children will miss out on uniform or shoes for school
35.8% think their children will miss out on school excursions
20.6% think their children will miss out on school supplies like exercise books and
stationery
20.5% think their children will miss out on internet access for schoolwork

How sponsorship works

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is an innovative, evidence-based education support program shown to improve learning outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage. Children referred to the program via nearly 800 partner schools across Australia can be sponsored from their first year of primary school right through to completing tertiary study.

Sponsorship provides:

financial assistance for education essentials, including uniforms, shoes, books, laptops and school supplies
tailored personal support from a dedicated Smith Family team member for the duration of a child’s educational journey
access to extra out-of-school learning and mentoring programs

High-res photos, b-roll and spokesperson grabs are available for download.

Media contacts:

Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 186,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome. For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au