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

[Roseyposeypie]

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).

Yes. Schools don’t have any money.

My sons had to buy everything - text books and pads of A4 paper to go into folders. He downloaded some books though and I'm not sure where from.

Yes. We did. Some were expensive (physics) but others i got second hand from amazon

I think most state Sixth Forms and colleges expect this as they are under funded. This has been the norm for over 10 years. Sixth Forms generally have a couple course books in most subjects in the library but they can't be taken out of library.

Yes. Luckily DC2 did the same subjects as DC1.

Interesting to know that it’s normal for others too. I’ll report back to the grandparents who were utterly incredulous.

Yes obviously.
You can get lots second hand.

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.