A recent Halifax survey found that private school fees have increased at three times inflation every year for the past 20 years. So if you're pregnant now you need to start saving if you're to afford school fees in the future!

With school fees in London running at about £10,000 a year and £8,000 a year outside London for day pupils, it's something any parent considering private education needs to think about.

Scary? Independent Financial Adviser Tony Brown of Clarke and Partners in Winborne in Dorset has some words of comfort.

'There is no magic solution to finding the money for school fees, but there are things you can do to make it less of a nightmare,' he says.

Ask granny
If your children's grandparents offer to help, accept gratefully and graciously. More and more grandparents are finding that this is one way they can really help their grandchildren's future. Not only do they often have savings but they are often basic rate tax payers too ­ a winning combination

Talent Spotting
Children with a particular aptitude for music or sport may find themselves snapped up by schools on a scholarship or bursary. These can pay some or all of the fees payable. To find out more, check out your local library, or trawl the internet and look at school websites for more informaiton.

Max the tax-free savings
Use up every last tax free saving you can, using both parents' tax allowances. Max up on everything and if you have a lump sum to invest; do it. The sooner the better.

In case of emergency
Get some emergency back-up ­ you can use your home to get a draw down mortgage, which enables you to borrow enough to pay for fees as and when you need it. The beauty of it is that you only pay low interest (the same as your mortgage) and you don't need to borrow a huge lump sum ­ you pay interest on the fees as you spend it. It's a good safety net in case of job loss but the worry is that you will have to pay it back eventually.

Disclaimer While every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy at time of publication, this information may be subject to change. Always consult your financial advisor.