Strategic Plan
The 10-year plan sets out how we will carry out our core business, achieve our priorities and contribute to key partnerships in accordance with Northern Ireland's Programme for Government.
EA's Vision - to inspire, support and challenge all our children and young people to be the best that they can be.
EA's Mission - to provide a high quality education for every child.
EA's Values - openness, respect, reflection, responsibility, excellence, equality.
Strategic Priorities
- Meeting the LEARNING needs of our children and young people
- Providing EXCELLENT education support services
- Developing ALL OUR PEOPLE to carry out their jobs successfully
- Managing our RESOURCES efficiently and effectively
- NURTURING LEADERSHIP across EA to give clear direction in a dynamic and complex environment.
To view the EA's Strategic Plan.
The Education Authority operates as an arms-length body of the Department of Education and also has its own 21-member Board. The EA Chairperson, appointed by the Minister of Education, is Mr Mervyn Storey (appointed on 1 January 2025).
The Education Authority’s Chief Executive and Accounting Officer is Richard Pengelly.
EA’s Corporate Leadership structure comprises the Chief Executive’s Office and five Directorates. To view the responsibilities of each directorate.
EA works in partnership and collaborations with a wide range of bodies including : Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta (CnaG); Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC); Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS); Governing Bodies Association NI (GBA); Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and Transferor Representatives' Council (TRC).
Business Plan 2024 - 2025
The Annual EA Business Plan sets out the priorities and actions for the organisation for the financial year 2024-25. Progress against the Business Plan is reported on a quarterly basis to the Department of Education, and to the Northern Ireland Audit Office through the Annual Report and Accounts in May 2025.
Business Plan 2025 - 2026
The Annual EA Business Plan sets out the priorities and actions for the organisation for the financial year 2025-26. Progress against the Business Plan is reported on a quarterly basis to the Department of Education, and to the Northern Ireland Audit Office through the Annual Report and Accounts in May 2025.
Business Plan 2026 - 2027
This is the EA Business Plan 2026-27. It has been developed within the context of significant reform and transformation agenda across the wider education sector. For this reason, it should be noted that EA will keep this plan under review, in order to ensure alignment with wider priorities and in response to changes in policy or strategy and as DE implementation plans are finalised.
Three Year Communications Strategy 2026/27 - 2028/29
The Communications Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29 sets out seven key pillars outlining key priorities and actions for how EA will improve communications and engagement with schools, parents/carers, children and young people, staff and other key stakeholders over the next three years.