Barriers for Gypsies, Roma, and Traveller Pupils in Secondary and Further Education

On Wednesday, the 24th of February, the Traveller Movement will launch new research into the issues and barriers facing Gypsies, Roma, and Traveller pupils in secondary school and in Further Education Colleges. The research shows that Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller students have experienced a myriad of issues in education, such as racist bullying, school exclusions and lack of financial support for special needs education, among others. These issues have been compounded by school closures during the pandemic, which has set GRT pupils even further behind their peers.

This study offers key recommendations to tackle the barriers to education experienced by the GRT pupils. The keynote address for this event will be delivered by Shadow Education Secretary, OBE and Labour MP Kate Green.

We will also be welcoming Baroness Janet Whitaker, co-chair of the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, who will chair the event. A Q&A session will follow this launch.

This event will take place online via Zoom at 11:00 am London due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To register for this event, please click on the link below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z4OkRbTQSnuZcmnbrOJWQA

Education policy and campaigns Officer Chelsea McDonagh said: this research highlights the many issues and barriers facing Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in secondary and further education. We hope these new insights will lead to the Department for Education to allocate sufficient funding to ensure ongoing support and to facilitate easier access back into education for GRT pupils and young people.

ENDS

Contacts

Chelsea McDonagh

020 7607 2002

education@travellermovement.org.uk

Notes to Editor

* The Traveller Movement (TM) is a national community development policy and voice charity who campaign against discrimination, promote inclusion, participation and community engagement for the Irish Traveller and Gypsy communities in Britain. TM is proud to work in partnership with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities together with service providers and policy makers across the UK to better promote social inclusion and community cohesion.

Read Gypsy, Roma and Traveller access to Further Education: 14-16 provision, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and A Levels via link here

Read Gypsy, Roma and Traveller experiences in Secondary Education: Issues, barriers and recommendations via link here