How can I save money on buying school books?

Where you can, try and buy second hand books. If you’re buying books in a school book shop, always try and ask the shop assistant first if there are any second hand books available.

If you’re buying second hand, make sure that you are buying the version that is specified by your school. When buying second-hand books, there will be some general wear and tear but they should still be “fit for purpose”, if there are any pages missing or you can’t read parts of the text then you will be entitled to request a refund or replacement.

Another way of saving money is to trade in or sell books that your children no longer need. It’s worth shopping around to make sure you get the best deal.

It’s also important to shop around when buying new school books. While the book prices won’t vary much in cost, there may be good deals to have in terms of free book covering or if you are buying online there may be a free delivery.

It’s always advisable to get your child’s books covered to keep them in good condition, particularly if you plan on selling them the following year.

Certain schools run book-lending schemes. If your school doesn’t currently run one, it may be a good idea to set one up.

Some schools operate book-lending schemes, which you might wish to investigate and try setting one up in your school. Don't forget that some books such as popular classics are also available from libraries, though lending times can be limited.

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