It's a tricky one that's for sure. My approach is obviously based on my own background. I went to public schools and lived in a small community where most people were blue collar workers. No-one had aspirations and the teachers certainly didn't have any aspirations for their pupils. I was one of only five out of 300 pupils who went to university. When I was at university it dawned on me that my fellow undergraduates weren't any smarter than the kids I went to school with, just their expectations had been different growing up. The more I read, the more I truly believe that. If anyone's interested, google John Fleming - he's worked wonders in 'deprived' schools as well as private schools.

As much as I will instill in my girls that they can do or be anything they want, their community, schooling and peers will play a part in that. DP is a train driver, I was a middle manager so their aspirations from looking at their parents will not be super high. I still battle feelings that I'm not good enough to do a particular job. Logically, I know that I am. I know that I'm smart and capable but the underlying feelings of not being good enough are really hard to budge and they're hard-wired into me from my background. Our DDs will not in all likelihood mix with high-flyers in their local community. I think it would be beneficial to them to mix with kids of high achievers at school so they understand that 'those' people are no different to them. So on that basis, I am leaning to private school for their secondary schooling depending on what their interests are.

I think I've found one that parallels the ethos that I will be instilling in my girls which is, you are as good as anyone but better than no-one. Unfortunately, it's in Bendigo which is 70km away. If I truly believe that's the best school for them then we will move there. We are pretty secure financially but if push came to shove, I'd take a loan to pay the fees.