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Original poster

Do state school sixth forms usually expect students to buy textbooks?

32 replies

Roseyposeypie · 29/08/2026 23:49

Is it normal to have to buy all text books and exercise books etc for sixth form at a state school? Just curious really, having splashed out over £100 worth of text books this week (and that’s only half of what’s needed over the two years).

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Gofaster2023 · 30/08/2026 19:32

Cakeandcardio · 30/08/2026 19:09

We usually ask pupils doing Nat 5 or Higher English to purchase their own copies of longer texts - novels / plays etc if applicable. Sometimes teachers do short stories and these are photocopied for the students. It's so they can write on them.

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I still begrudge that £6.99 on Sunset Song. But I liked covering my book in NME and Melody Maker.

Cakeandcardio · 30/08/2026 19:09

OverpricedCupcake · 30/08/2026 01:01

Crikey.
Not in Scotland, I'm aware it's devolved, but I had no idea English schools had to buy textbooks.

We usually ask pupils doing Nat 5 or Higher English to purchase their own copies of longer texts - novels / plays etc if applicable. Sometimes teachers do short stories and these are photocopied for the students. It's so they can write on them.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 30/08/2026 19:08

I had to buy my A level text books at state school in 1987 too!!

DandelionClockSeeds · 30/08/2026 19:02

We have an electronic copy supplied by school for physics and chemistry. Nothing for maths.

We have bought a copy of the text book for the right board, but it's different to the electronic one from school. Weve done this independently - no guidance from school.

Not bought anything for Maths.

Supplied own paper, folders, pens, calculator....

stichguru · 30/08/2026 18:59

I work in a College and we would expect students to buy essential books in theory, but in practice there aren't really essential books. Everything is on-line. There would be a few optional revision guides to buy.

ConBatulations · 30/08/2026 18:46

One did and one didn't. If you can't buy secondhand then ask the school or college if they will bulk order for a discount.

Spiffingdarling88 · 30/08/2026 18:39

I haven't had to buy any for my son at sixth form but when he was doing gcses (same state school) I had to buy some essential textbooks for History and English.

Rocknrollstar · 30/08/2026 18:18

I had to buy text books for A-level way back when. DS was at private school and we had to buy all textbooks and exercise books.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 30/08/2026 18:08

Yes
Also some for GCSE - and a fresh set without notes written in for DC2

GoingForAGallop · 30/08/2026 17:48

Most students have to buy their own textbooks at our school. If the student is in receipt of Bursary then we will buy their textbooks, stationery, pay travel expenses and any other reasonable items.

Yellowingtrees · 30/08/2026 17:44

yes, we had to buy them. 3 subjects. Got them through school - I think it was about £60 so didn't seem too horrendous over 2 years. Got the required calculator that way too - about £30

NewShoes · 30/08/2026 17:44

I teach English. Students have to supply their own copies of texts (at GCSE and A Level). Second hand copies are usually very cheap and will do fine!

AuntyBulgaria · 30/08/2026 17:34

DS got given text books which they had to return. This was for maths. They didn't get, nor did I buy anything for the other subject. Goodness knows what they used. DS didn't take any notes either - I presume it was all on line. They were provided with a subscription to uplearn which DS hated.

Edited to say that this was for A level. At GCSE I did buy lots of CPG books. But that was a waste as they were not really looked at.

MyUmberOrca · 30/08/2026 17:28

I was stunned that they didn't get given a copy of the set text for GCSE English literature. It makes it very difficult to read it outside of class.

I second looking on vinted. I've had more than one bad experience with world of books where the book was disgusting. At least on vinted you can see how battered it is! Plus you can often get a bundle with revision guides etc

bridgeagap · 30/08/2026 17:25

Mine didn't have to pay for text books. The school supplied an online subscription to maths text books, but there weren't any recommended textbooks for physics or economics. I did buy them books voluntarily but they didn't use them much - mostly they used online resources.

bababamama · 30/08/2026 11:35

Neither of mine did, may be area dependent, if they had charged where we lived they would not have had many students.

hellospring26 · 30/08/2026 11:24

Mine are in y11, there are no books anymore, they get snippets of photocopies. I’d rather pay for books.

labradorservant · 30/08/2026 10:10

Amazon market place is your friend here. Or Vinted.
however the school do put some online now or photocopy the key sheets. But yes it’s normal. At least you get the exams for free, unlike the private schools.

Wipeywipey · 30/08/2026 01:09

It is the same in indies and private schools - they just get put on the bill!

attichoarder · 30/08/2026 01:06

State sixth forms should supply the essential books, they key words essential. Some schools get round this by using the word recommend but if the book is essential and the student can’t complete the course without and lessons/hw use it then yes the school by law should provide it.

OverpricedCupcake · 30/08/2026 01:01

Crikey.
Not in Scotland, I'm aware it's devolved, but I had no idea English schools had to buy textbooks.

Barkleyspaubles · 30/08/2026 00:57

Yes, the (state) education is free, the materials aren’t. Schools are chronically underfunded. There will be lots of second hand books on Amazon and Oxfam books etc though.

somekindof · 30/08/2026 00:56

My eldest just finished sixth form, I think we bought one text book

Lookupdontlookleft · 30/08/2026 00:29

Yes dt both started 6th form last year and it cost me a fortune. Check if you can get them secondhand on sites like world of books. Only issue we've found is secondhand text books occasionally come with somebodies annotations in.

Needmorelego · 30/08/2026 00:08

Students are usually expected to write notes in the books or highlight parts.
So they can't really be used again can they?
Schools will probably have discretionary funds available if you really can't afford them.