Interesting topic worth a comment. I have three, and though i want more, we decided to stop at 3 due to the logistics issues. I am planning to resume after a longer gap, so perhaps a quick double when aged 43 - 45, i am 31 now, (even thought about freezing the embryos, but decided that the risk of complications from ivf outweights that of the old age - views ladies?).
As to your topic, I feel that sending kids to private primary schools is absolutely not needed to give your DC a good start. Good VA schools, your hands on approach, bofa11plus, bond, all these tools will help you to get a smart child into a good secondary school. Its not a rocket science process, and i am bewildered how parents who spend 15k per year on prep school often consider their tasks done. I would even argue that in some ways, state primaries are even better to get a child into the top public schools, as they enable your child to (a) get a scholarship, if you are eligable for one - and in the event that something happens you will be eligable, and (b) be more confident of their abilities in the interview stage; no need for discussions about Ferraris, holidays etc - what might (though not sure). My son for instance did well at state school and went from good state VE primary to one of the top public schools, and we could have done so much more to prepare him. Frankly other mothers told us 7 years ago that we are crazy to send our kids to state school, almost implying we are wasting a child, and yet somehow it worked fine for us so far. Beware of this peer pressure amongst your circle, as people are generally afraid that you can make it in a different, better way.
So my fellow mums, save yourself 2 x 15k x 7 years = 210k and get an extra child or two, relying on private at secondary level (if needed). And get a good holiday why you are at it.
Which part of UK do you live in? Do you have state grammar schools? This is another great way to save a lot of money, and get top quality education for free. You could for instance move your prep school children to the grammar (i have seen a numbe of prep school kids at the grammar school exams), and if you get in - your cashflow for one child will be freed.
ALSO: i know that education is important, but i assure you, that looking forward 30 years, your children who by then will know that friendships are temporary, marriages often too, but family is not, they will thank you for a large family much more than for a top local priamry school.
On the other hand, one thing i can tell you, having three kids myself, is to prepare for the following changes:
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generally financially not that big of a problem - apart from education of course
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you should forget hotel stays in many eu
countries, as they are not allowed to have 5 people per room for insurance reasons. get used to egypt, and maybe tunisia (especially now). Skiing is an issue as you will need to rent a flat. Overall - book easyjet flights early.
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time wise it is a big change. generally do PLAN. for instance try not to get yourself into situation where one child is passing A-levels, and at the same time another is at 11plus. This could be too much for you, a working parent. Of course i i did not plan and will have such situation - and i am already worried.
IN SUMMARY, IF YOU ARE REALLY WORRIED TO HAVE KIDS AND SPEND CASH ON PRIMARY SCHOOLs, then i would seriously sit down, open a bottle of wine, have a cigi, and think about what is really important to you in life. I cannot tell you to go and have more kids, as I do not know you, your family, but I can tell you that for me this question would not exist.
Hopefully i managed to do some good, and karma will get back to me today. :)