A drop of more than 8%: the cost of supplies is falling for the 2025 school year

Good news for parents: according to the annual barometer of the Familles de France association, published this Monday, August 18, the average price of school supplies for a student entering secondary school is falling this year.

According to the study, the typical shopping basket will be €211.10 in 2025, compared to €223.46 in 2024. "This represents a decrease of €12.36, or -5.53% compared to last year," the association specifies. Conducted for nearly 40 years, this barometer measures the cost of a set of supplies required of a student entering sixth grade.

Prices down in all stores

Familles de France notes that "for the first time in several years, all physical distribution channels are recording a price drop." The decline is particularly marked in hypermarkets (-8.09%, or €192.42 on average). Supermarkets show a more modest decrease (-2.98%, €210.35), as do specialty stores (-4.75%, €243.03) and online sites (-3.82%, €241.17).

In 2024, stationery items were the main drivers of price declines. In 2025, the trend reversed: "sporting goods saw the biggest decline (-8.59%) ," the association emphasizes.

This positive development is explained, according to Familles de France, by "a more stable economic context: inflation contained around 1%, fall in energy and transport costs, easing of pressure on raw materials (paper, plastics) ".

But the trend also reflects "a change in purchasing behavior: anticipation, comparison, search for promotions and reduction of waste."

Help always essential

The publication of the barometer comes on the eve of the payment of the back-to-school allowance by the Family Allowance Funds . Intended for low-income families with children aged 6 to 18, it amounts to around 450 euros, with variations depending on age.

This service benefits nearly three million households and "remains an essential aid to support the schooling of 5 million children" , recalls Familles de France.