Forget the traditional classroom; for one British family, the entire globe has become their school. Ruby Deevoy is 'worldschooling' her eight-year-old son, an educational philosophy where travel and real-world experiences form the core curriculum. From the snow-fields of Iceland to the bustling streets of Tokyo, they are turning life into a profound learning adventure.
The World as a Classroom
"We should start doing paintings based on how different countries look from above," Ruby suggested to her son as they landed in Marrakech, observing the brown, beige, and gold landscape. This moment encapsulates their approach: every journey is a lesson. Having visited more than 10 countries in recent years, Ruby believes this lifestyle offers an incredible education that standard schooling could not provide, especially for her son who struggled with ADHD and social anxiety in a conventional setting.
While he finds traditional subjects like writing and maths challenging, his confidence has soared through travel. He now engages in meaningful conversations with diverse people, possesses deep knowledge of Greek mythology, and is actively learning Japanese. "Travelling has dramatically increased his confidence and independence," Ruby explains.
Practicalities and Profound Experiences
This nomadic education requires significant sacrifice. The family works constantly, scrimping between trips and forgoing luxuries like nights out or new clothes to fund their adventures. They also explore the UK, with a recent trip to Dorset's Jurassic Coast to hunt for fossils.
The journey isn't without its challenges for her son, who sometimes misses home and friends and may initially greet a new destination with complaints about the heat or long walks. Yet, Ruby is consistently awed by how cultural immersion shapes him. "When we get home, he usually tells me how much he secretly loved it," she says.
Learning Through Play and Culture
Some of their most successful trips have masterfully blended play with education. A visit to the Lego House in Billund, Denmark—the birthplace of the bricks—was a particular highlight. During two-day 'Masters Academy' workshops, her son learned to build spheres and study architecture, displaying remarkable focus.
Other standout educational journeys include Iceland for trekking and Japan for calligraphy lessons. While Tokyo's arcades were a hit, the cultural experiences left a deeper mark, fostering bravery, curiosity, and critical thinking. Inspired by their travels, her son now aspires to be an inventor.
Their next booked adventure is to Rome, where they will stay at the Hassler Roma. In preparation, they've been studying ancient currencies and cooking Roman banquets. Most excitingly, Ruby has booked an experience that allows them to stand on the floor of the Colosseum. "That's something that will stay with him for life, unlike most of the things I learnt in school," she reflects. "And that makes it all worthwhile."
How to Visit Key Worldschooling Destinations
Morocco: Fly to Marrakech with Easyjet (from £38). The family stayed at Kasbah Du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains (from £175/night), participating in bread-making with local Berber communities.
Denmark: British Airways flies to Billund from Heathrow (from £86). Hotel Legoland (from £80/night) offers easy access to Lego House and Legoland.
Montenegro: Ryanair flies to Podgorica from Stansted (from £40). Book activities like bee farming via Untravelled Paths and stay at The Heritage Grand Perast by Rixos (from £200/night).
Dorset, UK: Travel by train to Poole or Bournemouth. Stay at Penn Estate Clifftops apartments (from £562 for 3 nights) for fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast.
Japan: Fly to Tokyo with airlines like Air China (from £548). Book traditional experiences such as knife-making and tea ceremonies via Wabunka, and rent a traditional apartment through The Japan Experience (from £39/night).
