Back to school spending 'to top £1.2bn'

Britons will spend a combined £1.2 billion kitting out their kids for the new school year, according to a new survey.

The poll of 1,000 parents by comparison site Gocompare.com found that on average, mums and dads will shell out £134 on uniforms, PE kit, bags and stationery for each four to 16-year-old.

While these traditional items still dominate the back to school shopping list, Gocompare.com noted that an increasing number of pupils will be heading to class with a new laptop or mobile phone.

It found that around two-thirds of kids have taken such electrical gadgets to school in the past, but 20 per cent have lost or damaged them, or had them stolen.

Gocompare.com's Phil Paterson-Fox said: "It is worth checking the terms of your home contents insurance to know exactly where you stand with regard to items outside the home."

According to a recent survey by insurer LV=, almost half (46 per cent) of parents expect to spend more on back to school supplies this year compared with 2009.