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The Cost-of-Living Crisis: A Student’s Perspective

‘The cost-of-living crisis,’ how many times have you heard this statement muttered by parents, teachers, even your friends? Or you may have said it yourself upon seeing your favourite drink increase in price? But do we truly know the full effect of these four words? Unfortunately, high rates of inflation coupled with low wages have forced people to experience a surge in energy, food and travel costs. The pressure on households to remain at the same living standard as before is immense, and many are experiencing feelings of unrest and doubt for the future. Who is helping them? Who is helping us? 

The choice to have a good education has always been a free one, but is it truly free? When choosing a school, we should be looking for nice facilities, good teachers and fun lessons. However, unfortunately, the thing lingering in our minds is how we are going to get there. The rise in travel costs is exponential and people are earning less than ever before. This leads to increased absences justified by saving a day’s travel cost. Should we really have to sacrifice our education due to today’s economy? Unfortunately, this is not where it ends. 9.1 million pupils across the country rely on help from schemes such as Pupil Premium, which, although beneficial for providing school meals and financial aid, simply cannot cover the ever-increasing costs required to live comfortably. 

The issue is, it’s not only the financial cost which must be resolved, but also the mental effects the cost-of living crisis has on students, coming to school every day with lingering thoughts of finances. Perhaps there is nothing for dinner due the expense of food shopping, or a cold shower is your only option as the bills haven’t been paid. This greatly impacts daily life, from friendships to schoolwork. How can a student focus on school when life situations seem far more pertinent? However, the effect of the cost-of-living crisis does not have to be so drastic. Perhaps, you have noticed the extra conversations within families regarding finances, or you are worried about your own future - every thought and worry is completely valid and has to be heard. 

Fortunately, it is not all negative. As these detrimental impacts are highlighted more than ever, the government are implementing a rise in minimum wage to £11.44 which is shown to benefit more than 2 million UK workers. Price locks are also in place in most supermarkets to prohibit costs rising. With solutions like these slowly being implemented, the crisis we are now facing should decrease if we continue in this direction.

If the cost-of-living crisis is affecting you and your family, please remember that we at TGS are here to help you.  You can talk to your Form Tutor, Student Support Co-ordinator or any member of staff who will be able to provide you with support and assistance.

By Olivia, Year 12 

Image Credit: Glamour UK

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Tonbridge Grammar School.

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