The Global Schools Prize 2026 for Schools Worldwide (US $1 million)

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Applications are open for the 2026 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.

Founded in 2025 by renowned UAE education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the Global Schools Prize joins the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize, which he also founded, completing a powerful trilogy that celebrates educators, learners, and now schools as institutions of innovation and change.

Together, the three prizes will spark a 360-degree conversation about what it takes to deliver the best possible education, equipping children to face the future with confidence – while rethinking the future of learning for generations to come.

Global Schools Prize Categories

Schools can apply to multiple categories. Entrants in each category would be judged against rigorous criteria.

Global Schools Prize Benefits

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.

Eligibility Criteria

The Global Schools Prize is open to all government-run and privately funded schools that teach students up to the age of 18, in every country in the world, subject to local laws, and that are going above and beyond to deliver quality education.

Selection Criteria:

The judges will evaluate applications based on the following criteria for 10 different categories:

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.
Arts, Culture and Creativity: Celebrates schools that nurture creative expression through the arts and integrate cultural heritage into the educational experience.
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.
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 recognise schools that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.
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.
Overcoming Adversity: Honours schools that have succeeded despite significant barriers, such as conflict, refugee integration, poverty, natural disasters, or limited resources.
SEND/Inclusive Education: Recognises schools that have made exceptional achievements in providing access to high quality education for children with special educational needs.
STEM Education: Recognises schools that have made exceptional achievements in the sciences, economics and mathematics, including building transversal/“21^st Century Skills”
Sustainability: Recognises schools that are champions of environmental education, climate action, and sustainability practices both inside and outside the classroom.
Teacher Development: Celebrates schools that invest deeply in the professional growth, training, and wellbeing of their teachers, recognising them as central to education transformation.