A third of parents with children in private education are planning to leave the UK in the hope of achieving a better lifestyle.
A recent poll of 500 parents with children at private schools found that 32% expect to move abroad at some point, with a fifth planning to do so within the next two years.
Among those considering relocation, one in ten cited avoiding the VAT on private school fees as a primary motivation.
The Labour Government announced in their October budget that private school fees across the country would be subject to 20% VAT starting January 1.
While nearly three-quarters of parents had already contemplated moving abroad before the VAT announcement, for 61% of them, the change served as the catalyst to actively start planning their move.
Many families have already begun researching properties and schools overseas. Popular relocation destinations include Spain (35%), Australia (29%), and the UAE (16%).
More than half of parents highlighted a better lifestyle as the main reason for wanting to leave the UK. But additional motivations include securing a better future for their children, with improved career opportunities.
Higher wages (21%), better housing (19%), and enhanced healthcare (19%) were also listed as key reasons. However, over a third stated that their child’s education was their top priority.
And given 29% of participants know someone who has already left the UK following the government’s announcement on VAT for private school fees, they’re also keen to do the same.
The research was commissioned by GEMS Education and shows that the prospect of moving abroad is becoming increasingly attractive for many families in the UK.
Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education stated: “It is interesting to see that education-leading to a brighter future and greater career opportunities-is one of the key factors driving decisions to move abroad.
“Today, it’s easier than ever for expat families to find high-quality schools offering the National Curriculum for England in various parts of the world.”
About a third of parents think that private school is the only type of education they want for their children, but an increase in fees following the VAT announcment is becoming a huge issue.
With prices going up, 34% would have to work more hours, while 29% would have to make sacrifices elsewhere. Alternatively, a third of parents in the UK would have to think about sending their kids to state schools.
As such, most parents think moving abroad is the best choice – they estimate they could save £8,417 per year if they didn’t have to pay VAT on school fees. Interestingly, 43% of parents don’t intend to make the move permanent and expect to return to the UK after their children finish school.
Lisa added: “Students can seamlessly begin, continue, and complete their schooling abroad, graduating with the same GCSE and A-level qualifications as they would in the UK-enhanced with an international perspective and global citizenship.
“At GEMS Education, we are witnessing this trend firsthand, with an 8% year-on-year increase in the number of British families enrolling in our 44 UAE schools, alongside a 26% year-on-year rise in enquiries from the UK.”
