Circuits of education, rural gentrification, and family migration from the global city

Although there is recurring empirical evidence of gentrifier families with young children, the importance of education-related factors in the migration and residential decision-making of rural gentrifiers have yet to be fully examined. Using the case study of Cranbrook, Kent, processes of education-led rural gentrification are revealed that are dominated by ‘counter-Londonising’ in-migrants paying premium property prices to buy into exclusive rural school catchment areas. A rural expression of circuits of education is identified, which, to date, are represented as urban-specific strands of gentrification. Conceptually, the paper sheds light on links between education-led urban and rural gentrification; illuminating counterurban population movements tied to the prioritisation of familial relations and domesticity in perceived child-friendly rural environments.

► We investigate processes of education-led rural gentrification in Cranbrook, Kent.
► ‘Counter-Londonising’ migrants seek exclusive rural school catchment areas.
► A rural expression of circuits of education is revealed.
► Links between education-led urban and rural gentrification are identified.
► Family ties and domesticity in child-friendly rural places are prioritised.