Discover the Global Schools Prize 2026— a US $1M award recognizing innovative schools worldwide. Learn about categories, eligibility, prizes, deadlines, and how to apply.

Overview

The Global Schools Prize is a groundbreaking US $1 million education award created to recognize and celebrate the world’s most exceptional and innovative schools. Launched in 2025 by renowned UAE education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the prize honors institutions that are redefining what is possible in education—transforming teaching, learning, and student outcomes for the future.

The Global Schools Prize completes Sunny Varkey’s visionary trilogy of awards, joining the Global Teacher Prize and the Global Student Prize, creating a powerful ecosystem that celebrates educators, learners, and now the schools driving systemic change.

Prize Structure & Awards

The Global Schools Prize will recognize:

• 10 Category Winners – Each awarded US $50,000

• 1 Global Winner – The school selected as “Global Schools Prize Winner” will receive US $500,000 to scale its impact

All longlisted schools will receive:

• The Global Schools Prize Badge, recognizing world-class excellence

• Access to the Global Schools Network, including partnerships, professional development, and international collaboration opportunities

Application Timeline (2025–2026)

• Applications Open: September 10, 2025

• Applications Close: November 30, 2025

• Finalists Announced: May 2026

• Winner Announced: May 2026

Apply or nominate a school here: https://globalteacherprize.org/pages/global-schools-prize

Why the Global Schools Prize Matters

This new prize elevates schools as leading agents of global change—institutions that:

• Reimagine learning in a fast-changing world

• Embrace innovation, creativity, digital transformation, and community-centered approaches

• Develop resilient, future-ready learners

• Champion sustainability, equity, inclusion, and global citizenship

The Global Schools Prize shines a global spotlight on schools whose ideas can inspire others worldwide.

Voices from Global Education Leaders

Stefania Giannini

Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO & Co-Chair of the Global Schools Prize Council

“The Global Schools Prize celebrates the ideas and innovations that are transforming education. By sharing these breakthroughs globally, the prize reminds us that the power of education lies in creativity and collaboration.”

Olivier Brechard

Director of International Relations, Learning Planet Institute

“We are proud to support the Global Schools Prize. Its focus on global citizenship and peace-building aligns perfectly with our mission to co-design solutions with young people for a more peaceful, democratic world.”

Alison Bellwood

Director, World’s Largest Lesson

“We aim to inspire schools everywhere to be ambitious about sustainability. The Prize highlights schools making sustainability part of everyday life across learning, facilities, and community action.”

Dame Christine Ryan

Former Chair of Ofsted Board

“Schools shape societies. This prize celebrates schools leading with courage and innovation—and encourages global collaboration to share ideas that drive progress.”

Sunny Varkey

Founder, Varkey Foundation

“The Global Schools Prize is more than an award—it’s a movement to scale the best ideas in education. We want to highlight the many ways schools are driving change, from innovation to student wellbeing.”

Eligibility

The Global Schools Prize is open to:

• All government and privately funded schools worldwide

• Schools serving students up to age 18

• Institutions legally recognized under local laws

• Schools demonstrating excellence and innovation in education

Not eligible:

• Pre-schools or nurseries

• Colleges or universities

All applicants must meet ethical standards, safeguarding requirements, and local legal compliance.

Categories for the 2026 Global Schools Prize

Schools may apply to multiple categories. Winners will be chosen using rigorous criteria.

Award Categories

1. AI Transformation

2. Arts, Culture & Creativity

3. Character & Values-Driven Education

4. Global Citizenship & Peacebuilding

5. Health & Wellbeing

6. Overcoming Adversity

7. SEND/Inclusive Education

8. STEM Education

9. Sustainability

10. Teacher Development

Full eligibility and criteria:
https://globalteacherprize.org/pages/eligibility-and-criteria

How to Apply

• Submit an application form via the Global Schools Prize Platform.

• Schools may apply or be nominated.

• Applications must be completed by November 30, 2025.

• Entrants will undergo a multi-stage selection process including online judging, interviews, and potential school visits.

Selection Process

1. Online Judges review all submissions and create a longlist.

2. Prize Council selects 10 category winners from interviews and evaluations.

3. The Global Schools Prize Academy votes to choose the global winner.

4. All processes are monitored by MediaSense and PwC to ensure transparency.

Post-Selection Requirements

Winners must:

• Use prize funds only for charitable, educational purposes aligned with the Varkey Foundation

• Maintain excellent safeguarding, ethical practices, and school governance

• Report annually on the use and impact of prize funds

• Avoid activities that may bring the education sector or Varkey Foundation into disrepute

Prize funds must be deposited into a verified school bank account with multiple signatories.

Terms & Conditions

The Global Schools Prize Terms and Conditions outline:

• Eligibility requirements

• Responsible use of prize money

• Safeguarding rules

• Compliance and reporting obligations

• Grounds for disqualification or repayment

• Intellectual property rights

• Legal jurisdiction (England and Wales governs)

Full Terms and Conditions are included in the prize documentation here https://globalteacherprize.org/pages/terms-and-conditions

Why Schools Should Apply

The Global Schools Prize offers:

• Prestige — international recognition on a global stage

• Funding — up to $500,000 for scaling innovations

• Community — access to global collaborations with leading schools

• Visibility — media and sector-wide acknowledgment

• Impact — ability to scale ideas that can transform education everywhere

This is an unprecedented opportunity for schools shaping the future of learning.

Call to Action

Applications are open from September 10 to November 30, 2025.
Nominate or apply today to spotlight your school’s innovation on the world stage.

👉 Apply or Nominate Here