As more families move abroad, a Devon based online school leader says digital learning offers children stability wherever they are in the world

Revised immigration statistics show that more people left the UK in 2024 than previously thought. According to new figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) 257,000 British nationals left the country and not 77,000 as previously recorded.

The miscalculation has come about as the ONS has changed its methods for calculating immigration by using people’s interaction with public authorities as opposed to surveys.

The oversight has also highlighted concerns of a ‘brain drain’ in the UK with more young people and families moving abroad for better wages, lower taxes and cheaper housing.

And as these families choose flexible lifestyles away from the traditional 9 to 5, some in far flung places, a new generation of children is logging on to class from hotel rooms, co-working spaces and rented apartments. For them, education is not about a postcode but a strong Wi-Fi connection.

According to the global recruitment platform Nomad List, more than 35 million people worldwide now live and work as digital nomads. While the stereotype still centres on single professionals, families make up a small but growing share of this group.

British people are among the most mobile, with Portugal, Spain and the UAE among the most popular bases for remote-working parents.

That mobility has driven a surge in demand for online British schooling, which offers the same curriculum and qualifications as those in the UK. For many families, these platforms provide stability and academic continuity for children whose parents move frequently for work.

A 2025 report by the International Schools Database found that one in eight enrolments at British international schools now comes from families who describe themselves as remote workers or global freelancers. Meanwhile, a growing number of parents are turning to fully online schools to remove the cost and disruption of switching countries or time zones.

Lisa Boorman, former mainstream headteacher and now leader of Queen’s Online School, said she has seen the appetite for flexible British education expand rapidly since the school launched.

“We’ve only been open a short time, but the interest from families overseas has been remarkable,” she said. “Many of our pupils have parents who work internationally or move between countries. They want their children to follow a British curriculum without losing stability.”

Ms Boorman said flexibility is key, but so is community.

“We make sure pupils don’t feel disconnected,” she explained. “Our live lessons, small classes and group activities help them build friendships even across borders and for many parents that sense of belonging is as important as academic progress.”

She goes on to point out that for children whose parents are working and travelling, or working and living in a foreign country, online school offers them stability wherever they are in the world.  And as many online schools are now accredited by British exam boards, it means qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide.

Countries including Portugal, Greece and Thailand now offer dedicated digital nomad visas to attract remote workers, while education providers are adapting to support this new mobile generation.

Ms Boorman believes the trend will only grow.

“Families no longer have to choose between stability and opportunity,” she said. “The future of schooling will be global; connected and adaptable and British education has a real chance to lead that change.”