THE Smith Family today launches its 2026 Back to School Appeal, with an aim to secure more than 3500 new sponsors, so more children in need can access its flagship Learning for Life scholarship program.

In the New England region alone in the 2024-2025 financial year, The Smith Family supported more than 550 students and partnered with about 10 schools.

As students prepare to return to school, the latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family, shows more than four out of five are worried about being able to afford everything their children need for the new school year.

The survey results are a timely reminder that cost-of-living pressures are exacerbating struggles for families already experiencing disadvantage, and putting children at risk of falling behind and disengaging with learning.

When asked specifically about the items they worry their children will miss out on, 56 per cent of families surveyed said digital devices and 40 per cent said basics such as shoes and uniforms.

The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says the impact of students not having everything they need for school can have serious and wide-ranging implications.

“From the moment students step through the school gate on their first day, not having the correct shoes or uniform can make them feel different and severely impact their confidence,” Mr Taylor said.

“Meanwhile, lack of access to items such as digital devices – which are now essential, particularly for high school – often leaves students unable to fully participate in their education today and locks them out of the workforce tomorrow.

“It’s a sad fact that in Australia today, one in six children are growing up experiencing the effects of poverty, which as we know has a negative impact on their ability to make the most of their education,” Mr Taylor said.

“Research tells us that by Year 9 a student who experiences disadvantage can be four to five years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy.

“The start of the school year is a pivotal time to set children up with the tools they need to make the most of their education. We’re calling on those generous Australians who can, to give a child in need the support to reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves.”

A crucial part of The Smith Family’s long-term commitment to students is ensuring every Learning for Life family is digitally connected.

Over the last seven years more than 14,000 laptops have been distributed to families, yet 44 per cent of students are still not digitally included, meaning they don’t have access to a laptop or tablet, in a household with mobile or broadband internet.

The importance of ensuring every student is digitally connected is evident in the fact that 93 per cent of parents, in a different survey, reported  the digital support received has helped their children with schooling.

To donate or sponsor, visit The Smith Family Sponsor a Child.

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is an innovative, evidence-based education support program shown to improve learning outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage.

Children referred to the program via nearly 800 partner schools across Australia can be sponsored from their first year of primary school right through to completing tertiary study.

Sponsorship provides financial assistance for education essentials, including uniforms, shoes, books, laptops and school supplies; tailored personal support from a dedicated Smith Family team member for the duration of a child’s educational journey; and access to extra out-of-school learning and mentoring programs.