A sharp drop in the price of school supplies for the start of the 2025 school year, according to the Familles de France association.

The price of school supplies is falling this year for students entering secondary school, the Familles de France association reported on Monday, August 18, based on an annual barometer, welcoming a "more stable" economic context.

"In 2025, the average basket will be 211.10 euros, compared to 223.46 euros in 2024," summarizes Familles de France. "This represents a decrease of 12.36 euros, or -5.53% compared to last year."

This barometer, which has been in operation for around forty years, is produced by assessing the average cost of a basket of school supplies required by a student entering sixth grade.

"For the first time in several years, all physical distribution channels are recording a drop in prices," the association states, noting a decline in hypermarkets (-8.09%) and supermarkets (-2.98%) as well as in specialist stores (-4.75%) and online (-3.82%).

While the decline was most pronounced in 2024 for stationery, this year it was sporting goods that recorded the biggest decline (-8.59%). However, all categories were down.

"This improvement is explained by a more stable economic context: inflation contained around 1%, lower energy and transport costs, easing of prices on raw materials (paper, plastics)," explains the association. But this decline in the amount paid "also reflects a change in purchasing behavior: anticipation, comparison, search for promotions and reduction of waste," continues Familles de France.

This barometer is published on the eve of the payment by the CAF of the back-to-school allowance. This, which benefits some three million households, is intended for the most modest families whose children are aged 6 to 18. It represents approximately 450 euros with some variations depending on age. This allowance "remains an essential aid to support the schooling of five million children," insists Familles de France.