I do without luxuries as my girls are happy

Evelyn Purves, 42, has three daughters Hannah, 11, Ayla, 9, and Millie, 6, who all go to Clifton Hall School on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

She and her husband William, a risk director, spend around £24,000 a year on school fees for the girls, who previously went to a state school.

She said: “In some ways we do make sacrifices. We’re quite fortunate, but if anything changed we would be willing to give up other things to send the kids to the school.

“I do without luxuries for myself because it’s important to me that the girls keep going to Clifton Hall. The difference it has made is immense – the girls’ confidence has increased ten fold. But most of all, they’re happy.”

She said the family had put off moving home to be able to afford to continue sending the girls to the school.

“I know a lot of people don’t think there’s a huge difference [between state schools and private schools], but from our point of view there is. If I had known, all the girls would have been at Clifton Hall from the outset. They love the school and it’s the best thing we’ve done.

“We’re in a position where we can holiday and things, but in general we’re a bit more careful with shopping and things like that – I’m quite frugal and try not to waste money.”

CHRIS MARSHALL