Emanuel School achievement for nothing...guilt

[Ummymumski]

My DD has passed the entrance exam to Emanuel and been offered a full fee place. However we were hoping for a bursary or scholarship, neither of which have been offered and we can't afford the fees. I now feel guilty that we have put her through this for nothing. We have dangled a fantastic school in front of her and now have had to tell her she can't go. We thought we were trying every option to make sure we did the best by her but I now think our strategy was a mistake. Did we do the wrong thing? I'm not trying to assuage my guilt (well, maybe I am) but would genuinely appreciate others opinions (even negative). Has anyone had the same experience?

PS I'm a first timer here so apologies for any clangers...

I am not advocating debt (!) but this is what a friend is doing to pay for school fees- she is going interest only on her mortgage for 5-7 years to cover secondary fees. Instead of paying £1300 pcm, she will pay £300, so the extra grand pays the fees.
Is this something you could do or would consider? You sound like you really want Emmanuel. It made my think about the financial aspects of affording private school fees.

I have worked at Dunraven and Burntwood.

Dunraven is fantastic whatever their academic level.
Burntwood - okay if you re a high achiever and are in the top sets.