Gigi... I worked from 12 after school and weekends. At year 9 I was able to go to the local catholic school (being the cheapest). When I went to school, It cost around $2500 for the year, so I was able to contribute to buying books and uniforms and a bit of the school fees. I worked a lot during school holidays too. I didnt pay exclusively for it all though, I had to contribute to make it work otherwise we simply couldnt have afforded it.
Yes and a 12 year olds pay wasnt enough for fees, so it wasnt until i got my first 'proper'/'legal job at 14 was i able to earn anything worth saving for!