Traveller Education Access Programme
About
It adopts a whole-lifecycle approach, combining sustained school engagement, targeted supports, and flexible pathways to improve access, retention, and success. With over 20 years of commitment, MTU emphasises co-creation and lived experience, embedding Traveller staff to build trust and ensure culturally responsive design. Key initiatives include STEAM engagement, the Star Pupil Programme, mentoring, transition supports, and both accredited and non-accredited programmes developed in partnership with Traveller communities across the South-West. These initiatives include Special Purpose Awards, peer leadership, and community-based skills programmes that foster confidence, progression, employability, and engagement. The programme supports a more diverse graduate pipeline and a socially sustainable future, engaging over 50+ students, 15 schools, and multiple stakeholders, including Traveller advocacy groups, annually.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned that trust-building requires sustained engagement, time, and community-led approaches.
- We understand that co-creation with Traveller voices and lived experience leads to more effective programmes.
- Traveller representation within our team is critical to meaningful engagement and long-term success.
What would it mean to win?
Winning a Green Gown Award would provide important recognition of MTU’s long-standing commitment to equity, inclusion, and social sustainability. It would validate a community-led model that centres Traveller voice and lived experience, raising awareness of the importance of inclusive approaches within sustainability work. It would also strengthen MTU’s role as a leader in widening participation, supporting the sharing and replication of this model across the higher education sector. Most importantly, it would acknowledge the achievements of Traveller students, staff, and communities, reinforcing the value of their contribution to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
| 16 July 2026 | |
| EAUC |
