I think we have made our decision. Public school then change to private at year 5 maybe year 7 depending how they go.

I'm a bit sad as my heart loves this private school, but my head knows that the public school is really good too and much much cheaper and more convenient. If it doesn't work out, we can reconsider at any time. If anything I think the universe was sending me a sign today. I logged onto Gumtree and clicked on the Baby & Children section for our area. Third from the top was a listing for uniforms for the public school. Girls uniforms not boys but both kids would be going there. This way gives us a few years to save up so that we can send them private later without having to sacrifice as much other activities (due to lack of money) or time (due to working to pay for school).

Such a hard decision. Thanks everyone for your advice & listening "ears"