We have decided to send Maggie to public school for a number of reasons. Mainly I believe that a private school education does not guarantee anything and I believe we should support the public school system.

Of course finances have played a major part in the decision. I doubt we could afford the fees without losing too much lifestyle (and am not referring to fancy cars). I would prefer to spend the money that would go on fees on other things for Maggie such as a musical instrument and lessons (if she is inclined), sports, a family holiday every few years (our family is spread, so travel like this is important). I believe children benefit from that as well, not just the education side of things.

We have decided not to stay in Melbourne and hope to be back in Tassie by the time Maggie is in high school. Both DH and I went through the public education system down there. The system was fine. My down fall was lack of support from my mother and DH's from too pressuring parents. MIL is insistent on private education as her other son (BIL) did not do well, after meeting him though, I doubt private education would have helped, it is just his personality.

From another angle I am opposed to religious based education, so if Maggie was to ever go to a private school, then it would be an independent one.