Charity's warning over school costs

A national education charity warned that some children in the Pilbara are being advised to avoid certain subjects and many parents are considering personal loans as vulnerable families struggle with the costs of attending public schools.

While many families in the area enjoy high wages, the Smith Family is offering scholarships for those finding it hard to cope.

Port Hedland man Shannon Wagner is a father of six who has been unable to work since being injured and said if it was not for the Smith Family, it would be a battle to get books and uniforms for his children. "It's helping both my daughters, one's in Year 10 here in Hedland and the other one is at a boarding school down in Bindoon," he said.

"I recommend people go and check it out, because it's great for people who are down and out; all you have to do is ask for the assistance and it's there."

The Smith Family estimates the real costs of attending public school - from uniforms, shoes and stationery through to the charges that are part of daily attendance and study - are upwards of $2000 for one child at primary school over a year.