Gypsy and Traveller education
Access to education and opportunities is a matter of social justice. Gypsies and Travellers have the right to a safe and nurturing school environment and to go onto college and university if they choose to. Many of our members home-school their children and we would like to see more support offered to them in the future.
Sadly, we know from our members and from research that Gypsy and Traveller young people often experience bullying, racism and exclusion and that the numbers that go on to college and university are low.
Education comes in many forms, and we are passionate about providing spaces where our members can learn.
How we work
Our members and some of the brilliant school and partner organisations that we work with across West Yorkshire are coming together to improve things.
Here’s just some of the things on offer:
weekly youth groups for girls and boys in Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford with activities and trips
Weekly homework groups with 1-2-1 and small group support
Advocacy for young people and parents
Get involved
All of our groups are free and open to members.
To sign up as a member, or to join our groups, contact us by email or phone.
For professionals
We run a Gypsies and Travellers in Education Forum that aims to improve mainstream schools, colleges and universities in West Yorkshire using voices of Gypsy and Traveller people. The forum is an opportunity for information, support and training. Get in touch to find our more.
Can your school take the GTRSB into Schools Pledge?
Standing for Gypsy, Traveller, Showmen and Boaters, this pledge commits it’s school signees to ensuring access and support to education for these groups of pupils.
Find out more here.
GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge here.
Further reading
Leeds GATE recommends two reports that platform the voices of Gypsy and Traveller young people and give recommendations for change.
Higher Education Opportunities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Young People in West Yorkshire report
Anti-Bullying Alliance - Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Targeted Bullying report
To enquire about training opportunities for your team or organisation, contact us.
Resources
Check out a selection of some of our education resources below:
Romani flag
Learn about the meaning of the Romani flag, representing Gypsy, Traveller and all nomadic communities
Colouring book
For Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2023, we produced a downloadable book full of activities and colouring sheets made by our Communications Assistant Lily.
Thank you also to Abiline McShane for her support with the idea and distributing around the UK.
Click the link below to download the book as a pdf.
Schools book list
Click the link below to download our educational book list as a PDF. Suitable for all Key Stages.
Flyers
Our information flyers about our general services for all members, and our youth work across West Yorkshire.