Social exclusion: Secondary education is failing young Travellers

The study of Travellers, carried out by student Paul Harman, found that the number of young people transferring from primary schools to secondary schools dropped radically in the transition. Only one in five Traveller children moved on to secondary school, despite a 95 per cent attendance at primary level.

"All children should be given the opportunity for education, but it needs to be made suitable for them," said Harman. "Traveller families tend to value the need for reading and writing skills but after the age of 11 they expect their children to start working with the family business. Having more vocational courses for young people in schools would help them see the benefit, as well as a liaison officer based in schools who understands their culture."