Help and advice genuinely need . Long post, sorry.
Background info: We lived abroad until summer 2011 when we unexpectedly returned back to the UK. We applied for school places instantly but as the summer holidays were looming, we were advised by the city council that places were short, there had been a huge influx of new children in our area, and that there would be a long (indefinite- months/a year) wait till my dc got a place at a local school. I started teaching in September 2012 and DH watched the girls as there was still no sign of a school place. I spent all my breaks/lunch hours and after work chasing up phonecalls (waiting upto an hour sometimes on the telephone), filling in forms, launching appeals (as discovered this was the only way to secure a place). I applied to schools out of my catchment area and even to schools that weren't ideal, out of desperation for them to be back in school.
In mid October, dh had to go back to work and there was still no sign of a school place; we were all desperate. I decided then, and didn't actually have any choice anyway, to put them in the school I work in, as being a member of staff there, they were given priority for a place.
This is a private fee paying school , and I had never been keen on them attending private school in the past but now had no choice. However,of all the places I have worked and trained in, this was the by far the best (no bitchy comments about children in staff rooms, no unprofessonalism, complete dedication and care for every single child, small class sizes; hard working , approachable, lovely teachers, personal 'village' feel to school etc). I saw it as a short term solution, and in any case the only solution for now. The girls, (who'd had a horrible time in their school abroad and never adjusted), adjusted instantly, made friends, progressed well, and love school.
Fast forward a month and I get a reply from the appeals saying one dd had been offered a place. I felt I couldn't move dd from the school at this point, she'd seemed too secure and happy and was thriving. Financially, it was difficult but not impossible to keep paying for the fees so I declined the offer. I thought it was worth the financial struggle for both dd's to be so happy and secure after a turbulent year abroad.
But now over a year later doubt creeps in. We've had a few unexpected costs that have set us back a bit and are really starting to struggle alot more to pay the fees. I feel like now I am bending over backwards this year to pay them especially because the fees increased this year too. On one hand, I feel it unreasonable to burden ourselves financially with the fees. We are coping, but just about. On the other hand,we have moved around a bit (and may move again)and I feel the priority is stability for the dd's as long as I can offer it to them. I don't think I can bear the thought of moving them and them not settling. Am I being precious? DH thinks that although the girls love their school and its brilliant to see them thriving , confident and settled, but sadly they should go. I am on the fence. Help!