Rising exodus of British families

A growing number of British families are leaving the United Kingdom to raise their children, according to The Telegraph. Official statistics show that about 250,000 British citizens leave the country each year, often citing economic factors as a primary reason.

Childcare costs drive migration

Economic considerations, especially the high cost of childcare, are a major factor in this movement. According to the OECD, child care costs in France are 12% of a couple’s income, compared to 25% in the UK. For some low-income families with young children, these costs can consume two-thirds of their disposable income.

French lifestyle seen as more family-friendly

Lucy Werner, who moved to Provence, pays 500 euros per month for full-time daycare, whereas in London she spent at least 80 pounds (around 92 euros) per day. She highlights a more protective healthcare system in France, requiring a five-day stay after childbirth compared to discharge the next day in the UK. The lifestyle in France is described as more outdoor-oriented and collective.

Social support in France

Amanda Baumann, who settled in Arles, links her departure to the impossibility of projecting herself into the UK. She references the saying that “it takes an entire village to raise a child,” but felt this was not possible in Great Britain. In France, she describes a tangible social fabric, including local markets, parent meetings, and daily mutual assistance.

Expatriation extends beyond France

Expatriation is not limited to France. In the Netherlands, family policies and work flexibility are attractive. Dominique Van Werkhoven highlights a more balanced model, including 'Daddy Days,' which allow working fathers to regularly take a day off to care for their children. The less competitive education system and soft mobility further enhance the Netherlands’ attractiveness.

Portugal offers affordable education

In Portugal, the cost of private education, ranging between 6,000 euros and more than 25,000 euros per year, is often lower than the average 22,146 pounds (approximately 25,460 euros) demanded in the UK. Expatriates are seeking a compromise between cost, quality, and quality of life. These individual trajectories illustrate a broader shift: that of a British middle class willing to leave their country to offer their children a daily life considered more sustainable.

New resource for expatriates

Launched in April 2016, Courrier Expat provides information drawn from international press on the professional and personal environment of French people abroad, similar to Courrier international. The information is organized into three sections: business, education, and health. Courrier Expat also explores new frontiers, combining information, services, and community dimension. Readers can become members of the Courrier Expat Club to access the site’s information, expert advice, job offers, forums, and travel through the blogs of expatriate correspondents.