Traveller, Gypsy and Roma students

A recent research report highlights that negative stereotypes, prejudice and misunderstandings persist with these groups of students. For example, many assume that Travellers spend a large proportion of the year on the road. In reality, approximately 75-80% of people who identify themselves as Travellers either live in static caravans, social housing or private housing. What prejudice and misunderstandings do your Traveller, Gypsy and Roma students encounter?

There are estimated to be between 200, 000 – 300, 000 Travellers, Gypsies and Roma in England and Wales.

Despite many reports and campaigns to dispel myths surrounding these groups, the researchers were shocked at the extent to which negative stereotypes, prejudice and misunderstandings persist. For example, many assume that Travellers spend a large proportion of the year on the road. In reality, approximately 75-80% of those people who identify themselves as Travellers either live in static caravans, social housing or private housing. They heard shocking stories of continued discrimination against Travellers and Gypsies who were actively seeking employment. They found that even in the 21st Century, people still encounter barriers to employment because of their accent, address and name

Bullying was a major challenge for Travellers and Gypsies across the Republic of Ireland and UK.

The report highlights a lack of comprehensive, routine collection of data on achievement, retention and progression of Traveller, Gypsy and Roma students and recommends that organisations explore better data-collection mechanisms. Without comprehensive data it is difficult to measure the impact of any interventions.

Do you know how well the success rates of Traveller, Gypsy and Roma students match their peers? Do you have specific mechanisms to get the ‘voice’ of these students?

You can download the report here