The Education Authority (Irish: Údarás Oideachais) is a non-departmental body sponsored by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.

It was established under the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 12)[1] which was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

[2] The Education Authority is responsible for ensuring that efficient and effective primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people, and support for the provision of efficient and effective youth services.

[3] These services were previously delivered by the five Education and Library Boards (ELBs).

Each of the former ELBs is now a sub region of the Education Authority: The Education Authority Board consists of 20 members plus the Chair.