News | Education Authority Northern Ireland

Update on Emergency Early School Closure - Storm Amy

3 October 2025

We very much regret the disruption today for schools, children and families but underline that safety is our highest priority.

Emergency Early School Closure - Storm Amy

3 October 2025

Schools Closures Counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh.

Graduates from the Horizons programme at the award ceremony in Titanic Belfast.

Young leaders shine at Horizons graduation in Titanic Belfast

2 October 2025

The future is bright for more than 200 young people from across Northern Ireland as they mark the end of their incredible 18-month journey on the Horizons Youth Leadership Programme, an initiative developed and implemented by the Education Authority.

Pupils on the steps of Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre

Music method Conductology hitting the right note for SEN learners

29 September 2025

An innovative approach developed in Northern Ireland is transforming how children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) experience music, giving them the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and perform to the highest standard.

EA lights up UK awards event

25 September 2026

The Education Authority (EA) has received a UK public sector excellence award for a project that helped schools reduce energy costs and deliver environmental impacts.

Pictured (L–R): Principal of Whiteabbey Primary School, Keith Wysner; P6 pupils Harriet and Jack; Department of Education Permanent Secretary, Ronnie Armour; Chair of the Board of Governors, Mark Chambers; Chair of the Education Authority Board, Mervyn Storey; and Chief Executive of the Education Authority, Richard Pengelly.

Whiteabbey Primary School writes its next chapter with new extension

26 September 2025

Pupils and staff at Whiteabbey Primary School are celebrating the opening of its new extension, marking a significant investment in education for the local community.

EA meets unions on SEN provision

22 September 2025

The Education Authority today met with teaching unions to discuss expanding special education needs (SEN) provision in NI.

In a touching tribute to Danny's legacy, SARS presented a memorial bench to Longstone Special School, with Danny's family joining representatives from the service for the presentation. Pictured L-R with pupils Alex (Head girl) and Callum (Head boy) from Longstone Special School in Dundonald is Elaine Craig (EA), Tracey Logan (EA) and Danny’s wife Aine Morgan.

First Winners of Danny Morgan Memorial Cup Crowned at Charity Football Tournament

19 September 2025

Teams from the Education Authority Statutory Assessment and Review Service and Longstone Special School compete in inaugural tournament honouring beloved colleague.

Top honour for Martha Anderson at PiP awards

22 September 2025

One of our staff has been recognised at the 2025 Professional in Practice (PiP) awards ceremony this week in Lisburn Civic Centre.

Pictured at their planning day Lisa McGill, Roan St Patrick Primary School and Joe Lavery Sperrinview School.

PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnerships Set Plans in Motion for New Academic Year

19 September 2025

258 partnerships across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are actively preparing for a transformative year of pupil engagement under the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE initiative.

Pictured is Peter Day Community Relations Council; Mr S. Orr Co-Principal at Cavehill Primary School; Áine Brady Education Authority; alongside pupils from Cavehill

Schools Encouraged to Get Creative for Good Relations Week 2025

19 September 2025

The Community Relations Council, together with the Education Authority, is inviting primary and secondary school students across the region to take part in this year’s Poster Design Competition for Good Relations Week 2025.

Children and young people across NI to get earlier, more tailored SEND support

18 September 2025

More children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Northern Ireland will receive earlier, more tailored support thanks to a new initiative.

Education Authority publish Plans of Action for NI’s special schools

16 September 2025

The Education Authority has today published Plans of Action for each of NI’s 40 special schools.

EA welcomes NAHT's SEN provision proposals

15 September 2025

The Education Authority welcomes the NAHT’s proposals for “constructive, collaborative and positive engagement” on SEN provision for 2026-27.

Celebrate Air Ambulance Week 8-14 September

10 September 2025

This week (8th – 14th September) is Air Ambulance Week and we’re celebrating EA’s charity partner, Air Ambulance NI, who provide emergency pre-hospital care to critically ill or injured patients right across Northern Ireland.

Yearly cycle of concern and delay on SEN School Places can and must be ended

8 September 2025

Statement from EA regarding SEN school placements.

All NI schools will need to be involved in providing for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

28 August 2025

That's the message from the Education Authority as it sets out what needs to be done to fully meet the growing demand for SEN provision.

Pictured at Air Ambulance NI Air Base EA CEO Richard Pengelly and Kerry Anderson Air Ambulance NI Head of Fundraising

Marking the Start of Fundraising for Air Ambulance Charity of the Year

22 August 2025

The official launch of EA's Charity of the Year with Air Ambulance Northern Ireland took place recently marking the start of fundraising activities throughout 2025-26.

Education Authority Chairman, Mervyn Storey (right of picture) picture alongside staff and pupils at Limavady Grammar School on GCSE results day.

EA commend young people on GCSE results day

21 August 2025

The Education Authority (EA) paid tribute to students as they received their GCSE results today.

Education Authority recruitment initiative to give schools faster access to classroom support for SEN pupils.

20 August 2025

The Education Authority (EA) today launched a recruitment drive for classroom assistants aimed at helping schools fill vacancies more quickly to ensure children get the right support from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.