Traveller children in Northern Ireland are being denied their right to a proper education, a new report claims.
They are not achieving their academic potential because policies are 15 years out of date, according to joint review by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Equality Commission.
Bullying and poor levels of attendance are further exacerbating the problem.
The report also claimed that fewer Traveller children receive pre-primary education compared to the rest of the population, and that many who attend secondary school leave early.
As a result, they perform badly in their GCSEs compared to other children.
There is also no evidence of Traveller children progressing to further or higher education.
The report's authors called for direct Government action to ensure that the educational attainment of Travellers improves.
Patricia Lewsley, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, said: "It is extremely worrying that too many Traveller children are leaving school early, with no qualifications, and none are going on to further or higher education.
"Now is the time for Government to make sure this marginalised group of children receive the education they need."
Ms Lewsley added: "I hope that by working together we can all help make sure these children receive their right to education."
Bob Collins, chief commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said: "The life-enhancing and transformative power of education is of crucial importance for children and young people from the Traveller children in Northern Ireland.
"Its absence is a powerful barrier to access to, and advancement in, employment and reinforces the disadvantage under which Travellers already live."