Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Northern Ireland: Educational News
UK News · Ireland News · Educational News
Work begins on new £12.6 million East Belfast Primary School
7th May 2021
Education Minister Peter Weir has cut the first sod on a new school build for Elmgrove Primary School in Belfast. The £12.6million scheme will include the provision of a new 21 classroom primary school, a double unit nursery school and a nurture unit. There will also be pedestrian access onto...
£1m funding for Residential Outdoor Education Centres
23rd February 2021
The Education Authority has recently welcomed the announcement from the Education Minister, Mr Peter Weir, that funding of £1 million has been secured to provide much needed support to Outdoor Education Centres. Outdoor Education Centres provide vital...
New Chairperson appointed to the Board of the Education Authority
17th January 2021
Mr Barry Mulholland has recently taken up post of Chairperson to the Board of the Education Authority (EA) following a successful public appointments competition. Mr Mulholland was most recently the Chief Executive of the Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC). He has...
E A embark on ‘programme of change’ for special educational needs
14th November 2020
The Education Authority (EA) has recently launched two consultations on an “ambitious programme of change” that aims to transform special educational needs (SEN) provision across Northern Ireland. The Special Schools Area Planning Framework advocates a consistent model across all areas...
Launch of InterpreterNow – Available to Schools
4th November 2020
The Education Authority have recently launched InterpreterNow which enables deaf and sign language users to communicate directly to schools or to Education Authority (EA) staff using a video relay service. The deaf or sign language user can download and register with the InterpreterNow app to their...
£19.6million new build for St Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen
20th August 2020
Education Minister Peter Weir has attended a sod cutting ceremony to mark a new school build for St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen. The project represents an investment of £19.6 million by the Department of Education. Speaking at the event the Minister said: “I welcome this...
Income Support Scheme for substitute teachers
25th May 2020
Education Minister Peter Weir has announced a scheme to help support substitute teachers during the Covid-19 crisis. Substitute teachers have been unable to access secure work as schools are closed except for vulnerable children and those of key workers. The Minister said: “I...
NEW DATES FOR GL TRANSFER TEST
10th May 2020
The PPTC have just announced the dates regarding the GL on their website - http://pptcni.com Assessment Date: Saturday 5th December 2020 Registration Opens: Monday 1st June 2020 Registration Closes: Friday 9th October 2020 The full 2020-21 Registration Pack, which includes the Entrance Assessment...
Pre-School or Primary School Admissions
6th May 2020
If your child has been offered a place in pre-school or primary school you should email the pre-school/school directly to indicate that you are accepting the place. To find the contact details for the pre-school/primary school use the school search function on our website https://www.eani.org.uk/search-schools
AQE Registration Delayed until 14th May
28th April 2020
In the continuing uncertainty caused by Covid-19, AQE is endeavouring to provide clarity to P6 pupils and parents about the arrangements for the tests which are scheduled to take place during the next academic year. AQE’s first priority in planning for the assessments is the health and wellbeing...
Ministers lend their support to schools ‘PROUD’ competition
4th March 2020
The Minister for Education and Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have lent their support to the Education Authority’s schools ‘PROUD’ competition inviting pupils to investigate the use and disposal of single use plastic in their schools. Pupils will...
New State-of-the Art Enniskillen Model Primary School Underway
12th November 2019
Pupils and staff from Enniskillen Model Primary School recently welcomed education officials and special guests to their school for a ceremonial sod-cutting to mark the start of work on a new two storey building, with 14 classrooms and a two classroom Language Centre with further support accommodation. The...
EA Launches Professional Training Programmes
27th October 2019
The Education Authority (EA) is launching two professionally accredited training programmes; Pathway to Professional Youth Work Scheme and the Youth Service Creative Arts and Digital Innovators (CADi) Programme. Working in partnership with the Ulster University, EA has created the Pathway to Professional...
Education Authority launches bilingual story book
24th September 2019
During Good Relations Week, the Education Authority (EA) launched “When the Lights Go Out”, a bilingual story book for children in schools in Northern Ireland. The story, set in locations across Northern Ireland, reflects themes of acceptance, tolerance, trust-building and belonging. It...
EA Youth Service and Long Tower Youth Club hold "Your Voice Matters" Event
28th July 2019
The Education Authority Youth Service and Long Tower Youth Club recently welcomed over 100 young people from across Derry City to the Guildhall, for important conversations on issues relevant to them. At the ‘Your Voice Matters’ event, young people expressed their views as outlined in...
Education Authority launches new online recruitment system
10th June 2019
With more than 3,000 jobs advertised every year, and with more than 43,000 staff, online recruitment will bring a wide range of benefits and improvements to our recruitment processes. Online recruitment will make it easier for applicants to search and apply online for corporate jobs including administration;...
EA Educational Leadership Conference Supports Professional Development of School Leaders
18th May 2019
The Education Authority (EA), in partnership with Osiris Educational, today (Wednesday 15 May) hosted its first Educational Leadership Conference attended by over 600 school leaders from across Northern Ireland. he conference highlights EA’s commitment to strengthening the current support and...
EA Offers Young People Opportunity to Attend One Young World Summit 2019
24th April 2019
The Education Authority (EA) is giving 10 young people the chance to be involved in the upcoming One Young World Summit, which will take place in London in October 2019. he One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to participate in four days of speeches, panels, networking...
Education Authority Launches Plastic Waste in Schools Competition
27th February 2019
The Education Authority (EA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB), Eco Schools has launched a Plastic Waste in Schools Competition which invites Key Stage 2 (P5 to P7) and Key Stage 3 (Year 8 to Year 10) school...
€28million cross-border Shared Education project launches new website
4th February 2019
The CASE (Collaboration and Sharing in Education) Peace IV Project, funded by the EU’s Peace IV Programme recently launched its new website at www.sharededucation.org.uk and www.sharededucation.ie. CASE, a project managed by the Education Authority (EA) in NI in partnership with Léargas...
Education Authority Appoints New Chief Executive
19th January 2019
The Education Authority has announced the appointment of Sara Long as its new Chief Executive. Currently the Director of Operations and Estates, Sara joined the Education Authority in 2016 and has been responsible for a wide range of services including home to school transport, school meals, school...
Review of Maintenance and Minor Works Services to schools
13th September 2018
The Education Authority (EA) is encouraging school principals to help shape its delivery of Maintenance and Minor Works Services to schools. EA is currently reviewing the delivery of these services and is asking principals to complete an online survey and attend a follow-up workshop to discuss how...
Appointment of new members to the Education Authority Board
14th August 2018
The Department of Education has announced the appointment of two new members to the Education Authority Board. The appointments are as follows: Mrs Sarah Kelly is from Derry and is the former Principal of St Joseph’s Boys School, Derry and Thornhill College, Derry. Mrs Kelly brings...
Apply for Free School Meals/School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowance
16th July 2018
The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for assessing eligibility for Free School Meals based on Department of Education (DE) / Department for the Economy (DfE) criteria. Please click the links below for further information. Who is eligible? How to apply? FAQs Contacts
Belfast Zoo brings learning to life with launch of new education programme!
28th May 2018
Belfast Zoo has launched a new and innovative education programme to inspire future generations of children to discover the world around us and to become champions for wildlife conservation. With interactive, discussion-led education, Belfast Zoo’s new programme brings learning to...
EA publish second annual area planning action plan
19th April 2018
In April last year, Education Authority (EA) published Providing Pathways – A Strategic Area Plan for School Provision 2017-2020. The 2018-19 action plan, published today, is the second of three accompanying annual plans which identify the schemes to be brought forward over the next 12 months. The...
New era for education on the Waterside
23rd February 2018
A ‘new era in the educational life of the Waterside’ began reently when the new Ebrington Primary School was officially opened by Department of Education Permanent Secretary Derek Baker. The new £6.7m school boasts 14 classrooms, speech and language provision and double nursery unit. The...
Launch of TBUC Camps Programme 2018-19
19th January 2018
SUBJECT TO FUNDING BEING MADE AVAILABLE FROM TEO The Executive Office, in partnership with the Education Authority, are inviting applications from groups who want to deliver a Camp under the T:BUC Camps Programme 2018/19. The T:BUC Camps Programme is one of the headline actions described...
Young People Celebrated at EA Full Attendance Awards
4th January 2018
Young people from 23 schools across Northern Ireland were celebrated recently at the Education Authority’s (EA) third annual ‘Celebration of Full Attendance’ event hosted by St Louise’s Comprehensive College, Belfast. Forty-five young people were honoured at the event for their...
JLO Tutoring
1st December 2017
JLO Tutoring, based in Lisburn, offers a truly personalized tutoring experience. With a Masters Degree in Teaching, Jessica's approach to tutoring is based on verified educational research. Primary School students are helped not only with the basic skills, but in their confidence as well. Her...
Primary Times Northern Ireland 2018 Family Star Awards
28th November 2017
Click the link at the bottom of this image to vote re The Primary Times Northern Ireland 2018 Family Star Awards https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3HKTPT3
The Armstrong Primary School celebrates official opening
28th November 2017
UIster and Ireland rugby captain Rory Best has joined Education Authority Chief Executive Gavin Boyd in paying glowing tribute to The Armstrong Primary School as he officially opened its enhanced and newly-refurbished facilities. Local hero Rory was the special guest at a well-attended event to...
Investing in the Teaching Workforce Pilot Scheme
12th November 2017
Thirty-one teachers will leave the profession under the Investing in the Teaching Workforce scheme. Departures will take place between December 2017 and March 2018. Job opportunities for recently qualified teachers will be advertised by the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic...
Education Authority Launches ‘Smart School Transport’ Competition
29th October 2017
The Education Authority (EA) has launched a new ‘Smart School Transport’ competition under the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) scheme. The competition is aimed at digital solution providers to stimulate the development of innovative solutions to enable delivery of safer...
Education Authority Publishes Plans for Residential and Outdoor Learning
8th October 2017
The Education Authority (EA) has published plans for a revised Residential and Outdoor Learning Service which responds to the needs of our children and young people. A public consultation on the Review of Residential and Outdoor Education concluded in February 2017. EA listened carefully...
Supporting Young Carers in Education
1st October 2017
The Health and Social Care Board and Education Authority are delighted to jointly launch the ‘Supporting Young Carers in Schools’ Booklet, an important resource for primary and secondary schools. At least 10% of 16 year olds could be helping to care for a family member, providing up...
Changes to Transfer and Open Enrolment Applications Process
25th September 2017
1. Changes to structures with effect from 1 September 2017 The Transfer and Open Enrolment function within the Education Authority (EA) has been restructured commencing 1 September 2017. From 1 September 2017 the transfer and open enrolment work currently carried out within five local...
Annual Area Profiles for Primary and Post-Primary schools published
18th September 2017
The Education Authority (EA) has published the annual area profiles for primary and post-primary schools across Northern Ireland. The school profiles are published annually by EA and contain information such as school enrolment and admission numbers, financial profiles, achievements at GCSE and...
Education Authority launches ‘eaThink Data’ Campaign
11th September 2017
The UK government recently announced that it will implement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a new law relating to Data Protection, which will have direct effect in UK law from 25 May 2018. GDPR will impact all organisations, including public authorities and schools. The new GDPR legislation,...
EA Chairperson welcomes newly appointed Boardroom Apprentice
14th August 2017
The Education Authority (EA) Chairperson, Sharon O’Connor welcomed newly appointed Boardroom Apprentice Seamus Sands and provided a briefing ahead of his first official board meeting in September. The Boardroom Apprentice Programme is a pilot programme that aims to provide practical experience,...
Education Authority Youth Service delivers ‘Emergency Services Awareness Programme’
8th August 2017
Ards Rural Projects, an Education Authority Youth Service controlled project group this week delivered an exciting ‘Emergency Services Awareness Programme’ targeting young people aged between 11-17 years old living in the Ards Peninsula area, the West Winds, Scrabo, Glen, East End and Bowtown...
Official Opening of Limavady GS Fitness Suite and 2G Multi-Purpose Pitch
24th July 2017
Pupils and staff at Limavady Grammar School had good reason to celebrate the end of term, with the official opening of their new fitness suite and 2G multi-purpose pitch. The new sports facility, which represents an investment of £363,000 secured through the Department of Education...
South Belfast Primary School Awarded the First ‘School of Sanctuary’ in Northern Ireland
7th July 2017
Blythefield Primary School is celebrating after becoming the first primary school in Northern Ireland to attain ‘School of Sanctuary’ status. The school, located in the South Belfast Urban Village area, embarked on becoming a School of Sanctuary over a year ago. Everyone from the staff,...
Education Authority’s Online Transport App Features at Digital DNA Conference
19th June 2017
The Education Authority (EA) recently launched a new Geographical Information Systems(GIS) based web application which allows parents to check if their children are eligible for School Transport Assistance and apply online. The...
'ALL TOGETHER' for Anti-Bullying Week 2017!
12th June 2017
Local schools and youth organisations are urged to register for Anti-Bullying Week 2017 and take part in a creative competition. Registration for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week 2017 (13-17 November 2017) is officially open and schools and youth organisations across Northern Ireland are being...
Positive Outcomes for Families and Schools
5th June 2017
Working in partnership the Education Authority (EA) and National Museums NI (NMNI) support parents from across the most socially and economically disadvantaged areas of Belfast to actively engage in their children’s education. Together we have developed a number of successful award – winning...
Gifted Student Scoops the Title of NI Young Musician of the Year
22nd May 2017
An exceptionally talented student from the EA Music Service has earned the title of NI Young Musician of the Year. Samuel Kane (17), a Year 13 student at Portadown College, and violin student of teacher Dolores McConville, impressed judges with his performance of the second movement of the...
Pre-School and Primary One Admissions for September 2017
16th May 2017
Stage One of the pre-school admissions process ended on 27 April 2017. At this date a total of 22,066 (97.0%) children were placed, with 88.0% offered a place at their first preference setting. Stage Two of the pre-school process commenced on 28 April 2017 and ends on 9 June 2017. Information on the...
North Belfast primary schools celebrate diversity
11th May 2017
Twenty-five primary schools from throughout North Belfast recently took part in a TREK Diversity Day hosted by the Belfast Model School for Girls. The TREK (Truth, Respect, Empathy and Kindness) initiative has seen two weeks of activity in schools from all sectors in north Belfast celebrating...
EA Home to School Transport Applications now Online
2nd May 2017
The Education Authority (EA) has introduced a new, online process for parents applying for home to school transport assistance. The new service will be live from 2 May 2017 on the EA website. In a letter to school principals, EA’s Director of Operations and Estates, Sara Long, said there were...
Education Authority provides update on Strategic Review of Nursery Provision in Special Schools
18th April 2017
The Education Authority (EA) began the Strategic Review of Nursery Provision in Special Schools in October 2016. A new framework was to be introduced from September 2017. However, due to the March election, the necessary public consultation could not proceed as planned. EA Chief...
Education Authority consults on first Strategic Plan
11th April 2017
The Education Authority (EA) has launched an eight-week consultation on its first ever Strategic Plan which sets out the organisation’s vision to give children and young people the best start in life. Since its establisment in April 2015, EA has been engaged in a transition process focused on...
Inspirational teachers honoured at first STEM Awards
3rd April 2017
Inspirational teachers from throughout Northern Ireland were honoured for their positive impact and dedication to the young people they teach at an awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. The Enthuse Celebration Awards recognise the dedication of teachers in the development of STEM subjects...
Launch of T:BUC Camps 2017/18
27th March 2017
SUBJECT TO FUNDING BEING MADE AVAILABLE FROM TEO The Executive Office, in partnership with the Education Authority, are inviting applications from groups who want to deliver a Camp under the T:BUC Camps Programme 2017/18. The T:BUC Camps Programme is one of the headline actions described in the...
A landmark day for future school leaders
20th March 2017
Education Authority chairperson Sharon O’Connor has congratulated principals and school leaders from throughout Northern Ireland who have completed the Professional Qualification for Headship (PQH) NI. A graduation ceremony was held at Magherafelt High School where 72 graduates received their...
ICT Excellence Awards invite NI schools to showcase their innovative use of technology
10th March 2017
Capita Managed IT Solutions and C2k have announced the opening of the annual ICT Excellence Awards. For the third year running, schools across Northern Ireland have been invited to enter the awards for a chance to win up to £2,500 to invest in technology for pupils and teachers. The awards were...
Attendance at grant-aided schools 2015/16 – detailed statistics
6th March 2017
The Department of Education has recently published a statistical bulletin providing final and detailed figures for pupil attendance at grant-aided primary, post-primary and special schools for the academic year 2015/16. Key findings: The overall attendance rate for all grant-aided...
School enrolment bulletin 2016/17 published
28th February 2017
A statistical bulletin detailing enrolment data from the 2016/17 annual school census in October 2016, has been published. Key Points: There are 171,612 pupils in primary schools (Year 1–7), the highest level since 2000/01. There are 140,413 pupils in post-primary schools,...
Holy Family, Derry Secures Dyslexic Friendly Status For The Third Time
19th February 2017
The staff of Holy Family Primary and Nursery School in Derry continue to be at the forefront of providing appropriate provision for pupils with dyslexia after being awarded the highly prestigious BDA Dyslexic Friendly School status for the third occasion. The award recognises the school's success...
UNICEF award for St Patrick’s Primary School
13th February 2017
St Patrick’s Primary School in Belfast is the latest school in Northern Ireland to be awarded the prestigious Quality Mark Award from UNICEF for being a Rights Respecting School. The award is in recognition of the school putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the...
PARENTS: Download the UCAS Parent Guide
27th April 2015
Click the image below to download the UCAS Parent Guide - it has all the key info about applications
Local schools recognised for going above and beyond
20th April 2015
Education Minister, John O’Dowd and Mary Black, Public Health Agency (PHA) have recognised schools for exceptional pastoral care at an awards ceremony at Stormont. Castlewellan Primary School, St Paul’s Junior High in Lurgan, Malone Integrated College and Stanhope Nursery...
SIXTH FORM AT ROCKPORT FROM SEPTEMBER 2015
7th April 2015
Rockport is Northern Ireland’s only fully independent school – and, from September 2015, will have its own Sixth Form – enabling us to deliver a truly all-round day and boarding education to boys and girls, aged 3-18. Rockport is located in a stunning estate on the shores of Belfast...
O’Dowd and Farry welcome southern universities’ move to boost admissions from the north
7th April 2015
Education Minister John O’Dowd and Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry have welcomed the Irish Universities Association’s decision to increase the points they award for A levels. The move will make it easier for local school leavers to gain admission to the seven southern...