From Bahrain to Berkshire: The Banerjee Family’s Journey
Despite enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in Bahrain, Debojyoti Banerjee, 47, and his wife, Sonia, 44, made the significant decision to return to the UK to enroll their son in an independent forest school that costs £8,710 per term. “Living in the Middle East feels like being in a bubble; you can either wait for that bubble to burst or make the choice to return before it does,” explains Debojyoti, who works in oil and gas project management. The family relocated from Saar, Bahrain, in 2022 so that their seven-year-old son, Neil, could attend a forest school in Berkshire. These unique educational institutions allow children to learn outdoors for a substantial portion of their day. The school Neil attends offers a balanced approach with both indoor and outdoor learning.
Sonia describes their time abroad as “an extended vacation.” They rented a spacious three-bedroom villa with a communal pool and gym for just £1,700 a month, which is remarkably the same price as a two-bedroom house they rented upon returning to the UK—only this one was “half the size.”
“One of the best things about Bahrain is its safety; we lived in a gated community where I can’t recall ever locking my car or front door. You have peace of mind knowing you’re not going to be robbed,” Sonia reflects. “In Bahrain, I had household help for five to six hours daily, which is quite affordable. There was someone to assist with laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Some families even hire live-in nannies who manage everything for the kids.” This household help often lives with the family in Bahrain, where their meals, accommodation, and an annual flight home are generally covered, resulting in a lower take-home pay. “Although these helpers don’t earn much, they save almost everything they make since food and living expenses are taken care of by their employers.”
Community Life and Costs
The Banerjees forged numerous friendships in Bahrain, thanks to the vibrant expat community, and often spent weekends at The Sofitel, which boasts a private beach—something Neil still fondly remembers. “Weekends were filled with social club activities like cricket, six-a-side football, and tennis. There were endless opportunities, but due to the desert climate, outdoor play was often limited,” says Debojyoti.
In addition to affordable rent and household assistance, dining out was also economical, with a typical meal for two costing around £30 compared to £50 in the UK. “Bahrain’s geographical closeness to various Asian countries means that fresh produce is relatively inexpensive,” he adds. Unsurprisingly, fuel prices are quite low due to Bahrain’s oil production. “Interestingly, water costs more than oil, yet the initial price of purchasing a car is similar in both locations.” However, electronics and clothing tend to be pricier. “For example, a branded M&S T-shirt might cost £5 here, but it’s around £10 in Bahrain. The currency exchange makes it feel like double,” Debojyoti explains. “Shopping is mostly confined to malls since there aren’t many retail outlets.”
After spending eight years in the Middle East, the couple decided it was time to return to the UK, primarily to enhance their son’s educational experience. “His education in Bahrain was excellent; he attended one of the top international British schools, where even former Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard sent his kids. However, we felt that the exposure to extracurricular activities was lacking,” Debojyoti states. “Bahrain isn’t particularly known for sports like cricket or football; our son is an active outdoor enthusiast, and the limited outdoor spaces were a concern for us.” They also wanted Neil to eventually attend university in the UK, believing that studying there would provide him with a better foundation.
A secondary motive for their return was Sonia’s desire to re-enter the workforce in project control after taking a career break to raise Neil. “Life in Bahrain is very laid-back and enjoyable, but I wanted to further my career. Although we could afford for me to stay home, I started to feel a bit isolated, participating only in coffee mornings and gym sessions. The thrill of attending big football matches or concerts was missing,” she recalls.
Neil was accepted into several prestigious London schools with impressive academic credentials, yet the couple opted for a more outdoors-oriented environment. They focused their search on Berkshire due to its diverse mix of private, grammar, and high-quality state schools, as well as its convenient access to the M4 and Reading town center.
After a virtual tour and interview, they chose a forest school set within 150 acres of parkland. “When you ask my son what he loves most about his school, he’ll excitedly mention the zipline,” Sonia shares. Currently in Year 3, Neil’s school fees amount to £8,710 each term. “His schedule includes classroom instruction in the morning and outdoor sports or learning activities in the afternoon,” Sonia explains. “I sometimes dread when he returns home muddy, but he absolutely loves it!”
With Neil’s school arrangements finalized, the family purchased a four-bedroom detached home at Dandara’s Oakwood Place in Spencers Wood for £675,000. The property is ideally located for Sonia’s job in Chiswick and Debojyoti’s work in Leatherhead. “This house came onto the market, and we immediately liked it. Our family shares a love for the outdoors, and the greenery at Oakwood Place enables Neil to embrace his outdoor learning at home,” Sonia expresses. “In Bahrain, Neil faced some minor health issues due to the desert environment and dust; here, he’s surrounded by lush greenery and frequent rain!”
Although life in the UK presents a stark contrast to their previous existence in Bahrain, the couple has no regrets about their decision. “Our primary reason for returning was Neil. This age is crucial for shaping his character and personality. We wanted him to develop a deeper appreciation for the countryside and stay connected to nature,” they conclude.
