Real cost of the school run: Could parents be making money instead?

As the school year kicks off across the UK, many parents are once again settling back into the familiar routine of the daily school run. But have you ever stopped to think about the real cost of those trips? 

According to our research, the expense of ferrying our children to and from school is more significant than many realise. In fact, if British parents charged Uber rates for driving their kids, they could potentially earn up to £33,805 over the course of their child’s school years. 

Let’s dive into the numbers and explore just how much the school run costs—and how much parents could potentially earn if they looked to turn this daily chore into a side-hustle.

Annual cost of the school run

Our report highlights that UK parents collectively spend a staggering £458 million on the school run each year. With 2.78 million primary and secondary-age pupils being driven to school across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and an average of 195 school days annually, the costs quickly add up. 

This takes into account various factors, including the average distance of 2.6 miles to school, fuel costs, and even the differences between petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs).

Parents driving petrol cars spend an average of £177 per year, while those with diesel vehicles spend slightly less, at £157 annually. Over the compulsory 11 years of a child’s education (from primary through secondary school), these figures translate to a total of £1,947 for petrol and £1,727 for diesel.

Cost of the school run by transport type

EV drivers, on the other hand, enjoy significantly lower costs. The average expense for EVs is about 50p per day for the school run, amounting to £97.50 per year and £1,072 over the course of a child's schooling. Despite the lower costs, it’s clear that even the most economical choices add up over time.

What if parents charged for their services?

Now, let’s flip the script. What if parents could actually earn money from their school runs? If parents charged Uber rates, they could make £15.76 per day. This equates to a potential earning of £3,073 annually and an astonishing £33,805 over a 11-year period.

Imagine this scenario across the nation: parents collectively could have earned nearly £44 million in 'taxi of mum and dad' earnings each day.

Cost of alternative school transport

While driving kids to school seems like the most convenient option for many parents, it's not necessarily the cheapest. For families considering alternatives, school buses offer a different perspective on cost. On average, parents pay around £900 annually for school bus services, which breaks down to approximately £2.37 per trip. When compared to the daily expenses of driving, the school bus proves to be a more expensive, but perhaps a more convenient and environmentally friendly option for many.

However, the choice isn’t always straightforward. Eligibility for free school bus services can depend on various factors, including distance from school and household income. Therefore, while the school bus may present a better option for some, it’s not universally accessible or convenient for every family.

Taxi of Mum and Dad

The school run, a daily routine for millions of parents, carries a hefty price tag—one that many might not consider beyond the price of fuel. While there are options like school buses that might be suitable, most parents continue to provide the service themselves, often unaware of how much they could potentially earn if they charged for their time and effort as the taxi of mum and dad.