The importance of high quality education for all gypsy traveller children was highlighted by Dr. Brian Gibbons on Thursday, July 10, on a visit to Monkton Priory School. The Social Justice Minister saw for himself how the school is leading the way in providing effective education to gypsy and traveller children. The school supports the education of around 200 gypsy traveller pupils across the county and is widely regarded as one of the most successful services in Wales. The school has succeeded in engaging gypsy traveller young people in education beyond the usual leaving age and equips them with the skills needed to enter higher education and pursue a range of careers. This has been achieved through a mix of cultural sensitivity and relevant lessons. Dr. Gibbons said: "Monkton Priory School is an excellent example of how providing a first-class education encourages gypsy traveller children to achieve their full potential. "It is a true beacon that the whole of Wales would do well to follow."
Pictured are (from left): Dr. Gibbons, Kirby Jones, a Priory Project pupil who gave a presentation recently to the European Parliament at Brussels, pupils Rebecca Price, Billy Roberts, Caroline Probert, and Sadie Jones, and headteacher Mr. William Rees.
