For the past 18 years, June has been marked by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month, a time dedicated to recognising and celebrating the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Romany Gypsies, Roma, Irish Travellers, New Travellers, Showmen and Liveaboard Boaters. This annual observance highlights the diverse heritage of these communities, while also promoting greater understanding and inclusion. This year’s theme, ‘Onwards with Hope’, focuses on aspirations, dreams and the shared future we are working to build together, encouraging reflection as well as renewed commitment to equity and opportunity for all.
Why is celebrating GRT History month important?
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen communities is one of the largest ethnically diverse groups in Devon and yet the Traveller community are often the most mis-understood and underrepresented group.
- It is thought that around only half of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen children attend secondary school.
- As few as 25% of primary children reach the national average for numeracy and literacy at the end of year 6, compared to over 74% of children nationally. This learning disadvantage extends further with only 12% leaving school with 5 good GCSEs.
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showman communities have rich cultural traditions, including storytelling, music and visual arts – all of which our school children enjoy to explore and discover.
Accessing resources to celebrate GRT History month 2026
The Ethnically Diverse Education Achievement Service is proud to share various resources we have designed, which can be found on EDEAS Connect, our community hub full of resources and guidance.
Resources available to celebrate GRT History month 2026 include:
- Primary and secondary information sheets
- Primary and secondary assembly presentation templates
- Book list suggestions
- Myths and misconceptions article for parent and carer newsletters
- Primary activities: Colour me in pages, Grow your own cress head activity, Hope tree activity and What inspires me activity
- Secondary activities: Art project activity, Cooking Joey Grey activity, Journalist article on misinformation activity
Click here to access these resources.
Accessing further support
- EDEAS newsletter (EDEAS Connect will soon be available to academies via subscription. To be among the first to hear when it launches, please sign up for our newsletter.)
- EDEAS support and training
