Irish Travellers have been part of Irish society for centuries. They have a long and distinct shared history, culture, language, tradition and custom. Their recognised identity and way of life distinguishes them from the sedentary (settled) population.

Irish Travellers participation and progression in the education system differs greatly to the settled community. According to the 2011 Census, 55% of Travellers leave school by the age of 15, 90% of Travellers have finished education by the age of 17 and just 1% of the Traveller population (115 Travellers) have attained a third-level qualification.

Working in partnership with Traveller advocacy groups and other key stakeholders the SOAR Project aims to foster cultural inclusion, build community capacity and develop appropriate responses to support Traveller participation and progression in education.