Global Schools Prize
Honouring Outstanding Schools Around the World
Re-imagining Education for the Future
A landmark new education award: The US $1 million Global Schools Prize seeks to recognise and celebrate exceptional schools from around the world – institutions that are reimagining what’s possible in education.
The Global Schools Prize, established in 2025, will identify ten outstanding category winners, from a longlist, who will each be awarded $50,000. Of those, one extraordinary school will receive the Global Schools Prize and $500,000 to scale its impact.
The longlisted schools will also be awarded a Global Schools Prize Badge, symbolising world-class impact and achievement in areas ranging from AI transformation to teacher development. These schools will also be welcomed into the Global Schools Network, gaining access to partnerships, professional development, and global collaboration opportunities with other leading institutions.
The process will be overseen by the Global Schools Prize Council, co-chaired by Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, and Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board; is made up of some of the most respected and influential figures in global education, technology, and philanthropy, who will guide the prize and provide strategic insight.
The application process will be open from 10 September until 30 November 2025.
The finalists and winner will be announced in 2026.
Entrants in each category would be judged against rigorous criteria:
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AI Transformation: Acknowledges schools that have effectively and inclusively integrated AI into teaching and learning, improving learning outcomes and teaching students how to use the technology responsibly. Find out more...
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Arts, Culture and Creativity: Celebrates schools that nurture creative expression through the arts and integrate cultural heritage into the educational experience. Find out more...
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Character- and Values-driven Education: Recognises schools that instil values such as empathy, integrity, service, and respect, preparing students to be ethical, compassionate global citizens. This will include schools that foster student leadership and governance. Find out more...
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Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding: Honours schools that foster intercultural understanding, peace education, and global awareness to help build a more tolerant, inclusive world. It will recognize schools that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. Find out more...
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Health and Wellbeing: Highlights schools that prioritise students’ and staff’s health through support services, emotional education, and a nurturing environment, including both physical and mental health. Find out more...
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Overcoming Adversity: Honours schools that have succeeded despite significant barriers, such as conflict, refugee integration, poverty, natural disasters, or limited resources. Find out more...
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SEND/Inclusive Education: Recognizes schools that have made exceptional achievements in providing access to high quality education for children with special educational needs. Find out more...
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STEM Education: Recognizes schools that have made exceptional achievements in the sciences, economics and mathematics, including building transversal/“21st Century Skills”. Find out more...
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Sustainability: Recognises schools that are champions of environmental education, climate action, and sustainability practices both inside and outside the classroom. Find out more...
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Teacher Development: Celebrates schools that invest deeply in the professional growth, training, and wellbeing of their teachers, recognising them as central to education transformation. Find out more...
Unveiling the new $1M Global Schools Prize
A Prize with Purpose: Global Schools Prize will focus on creating real and lasting education impact
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Open to schools from all countries, including public, private, and alternative schools teaching students up to 18 years of age.
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Schools will be evaluated based on their category application. Find out more...
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Schools can be nominated by others or can apply directly themselves. If a school is nominated, they must also complete an application.
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The selection process involves multiple stages, including a thorough review by the Global Schools Prize Council and the Varkey Foundation’s Prize Academy.
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A longlist will be announced, followed by the selection of the Top 10 category winners and the eventual winner, who will be awarded during a ceremony.
