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The Global Schools Prize. 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 re-imagining what’s possible in education.
The Global Schools Prize 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.
Find out more about our categories
The application process will be open from 10th September until 30 November 2025.
The finalists and winner will be announced in May 2026.
“The Global Schools Prize celebrates the ideas and innovations that are transforming education. Around the world, schools are reimagining what is possible – finding new ways to inspire curiosity, strengthen resilience, and unlock the potential of every learner. By sharing these breakthroughs on a global stage, the prize reminds us that the power of education lies not only in knowledge, but in the creativity and collaboration that drive progress.”
Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO and Co-Chair of the Global Schools Prize Council
“The Learning Planet Institute (LPI) is proud to partner with the Varkey Foundation and support the Global Schools Prize. At LPI, we are committed to co-designing with young people educational solutions to equip them as active peace-builders and democratic citizens. This aligns perfectly with the Prize’s focus on Global Citizenship and Peace-building. By joining forces with educators worldwide, we may respond together to the urgent needs to counter polarization, strengthen intergenerational trust, develop civic and peace-building competencies relevant to both physical and digital spheres. Schools are a unique space where these skills can be practiced, not just taught.”
Olivier Brechard, Director International Relations, Learning Planet Institute
“Schools are at the very heart of communities, shaping not only the future of individual learners but the future of societies. The Global Schools Prize shines a spotlight on institutions that are leading with courage, creativity, and purpose—schools that refuse to stand still in the face of change. This prize is about celebrating their impact and encouraging global collaboration so that innovation in one school can inspire progress in thousands more.”
Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of Ofsted Board
“The Global Schools Prize is a call to reimagine learning for a world in constant motion. It is more than an award – it’s a movement to scale the best ideas in education. In recognising multiple winners, we want to highlight the many ways schools are driving change – from innovation and teacher development to sustainability and student wellbeing. By shining a light on institutions that are redefining what education can be, we can spark a global conversation about the future of learning, and inspire action that resonates far beyond the classroom.”
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Sunny Varkey
Founder of the Varkey Foundation