According to the study, carried out on behalf of supermarket giant Asda, low-income families are particularly hard-hit because a bigger proportion of their income goes on costs such as school uniforms, meals and transport.
In total, families in the UK spend 10.5bn pounds on school costs. The average annual school cost rise has also shot up from less than one per cent to 2.3 per cent in the past year.
Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove said of the findings: "This demonstrates that parents are feeling the squeeze and the least well-off are worst affected. Families are feeling the pinch."
Asda chief executive Andy Bond highlighted the store's 4 pound school uniform - the lowest priced school uniform ever, according to the chain.
"Schools have to stop restricting families from shopping around for the best value on things such as uniforms and sports kits," he said.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls agreed: "Schools should ensure uniforms are affordable and I am pleased retailers are helping to make this happen."
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