I don't know how it works in the UK but here in order to get a loan with the job they have, it's pretty hard. They would also have to show growth I would think. The numbers they have aren't gonna pay for a $7,000 dollar mortgage each month. If they do happen to get a mortgage it won't be from a big bank, it'll be a smaller one or one that will have an astronomical interest rate and a huge downpayment. It makes sense to cut out the school if they are falling on harder times, $45,000 a year on a school for elementary is beyond stupid. From what I've seen the kid's education isn't helping them out much, as they are always going on about the kids not having something complete or struggling with. I think the only one that benefits is Anal, so she can dress up, pretend to be an amazing mom, and make playdates with Matt.
My sister and brother-in-law own their own business and it was hard for them to get a loan, it took them a long time to find a lender that would work with them. My husband and I have conventional jobs and we got a lender in a day through our bank.