Announcing the $1 Million Global Schools Prize, launched to reimagine the future of education.

The Varkey Foundation, in collaboration with UNESCO, has unveiled the Global Schools Prize, a landmark US$1 million award that celebrates the world’s most innovative and impactful schools.

For the first time, entire schools, not just teachers or students, will be recognised on a global stage for reimagining education to meet the challenges of tomorrow. From AI transformation and sustainability to peacebuilding and teacher development, the prize will highlight bold initiatives that are shaping the classrooms of the future.

Longlisted schools will be awarded a Global Schools Prize Badge, symbolising world-class achievement, and will join a new Global Schools Network for collaboration and professional development. Ten category winners will each receive $50,000, while one extraordinary school will take home the $500,000 Global Schools Prize to scale its vision.

The initiative will be guided by the Global Schools Prize Council, co-chaired by Stefania Giannini (UNESCO) and Dame Christine Ryan (former Ofsted Chair), alongside global education leaders including Andreas Schleicher (OECD), former Presidents, Education Ministers, and past winners of the Global Teacher and Student Prizes.

This new award completes the Varkey Foundation’s powerful trilogy of global prizes, alongside the Global Teacher Prize and the Global Student Prize, together sparking a 360-degree conversation on the future of education.

Applications are now open for schools worldwide to showcase their innovation, ambition, and impact. The application and nomination process runs from 10 September to 30 November 2025. Finalists and the winner will be announced in May 2026. APPLY NOW!

Learn more here