The Varkey Foundation Global Schools Prize 2025 is a groundbreaking international education award designed to honor schools that are redefining what learning can be. With a total prize fund of $1 million, the award spotlights innovative institutions that are transforming education, empowering teachers, and inspiring students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Launched in 2025 by global education philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the prize completes the well-known trilogy of global awards—the Global Teacher Prize, the Global Student Prize, and now the Global Schools Prize. Together, these awards celebrate the people and institutions shaping the future of learning.
About the Global Schools Prize
The Global Schools Prize recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional impact and forward-thinking solutions. It aims to elevate institutions that are pioneering new approaches in areas such as digital learning, sustainability, AI adoption, student wellbeing, global citizenship, and community engagement.
From the longlist, ten schools will each receive $50,000, and one remarkable institution will be awarded the top Global Schools Prize and $500,000 to expand its work and scale its innovations globally.
Longlisted schools will also receive a Global Schools Prize Badge, a symbol of excellence and recognition for world-class educational practices. These schools will join the Global Schools Network, gaining access to collaborations, partnerships, training opportunities, and global exchange with leading educational institutions.
Prize Timeline
- Application Opens: 10 September 2025
- Application Closes: 30 November 2025
- Finalists & Winner Announced: May 2026
Schools can apply directly or be nominated through the official Global Schools Prize platform.
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Why the Prize Matters
The Global Schools Prize aims to celebrate and elevate the work of schools that are inspiring change. Educational leaders and international organizations emphasize the importance of this movement:
Transforming Education Globally
According to UNESCO’s Stefania Giannini, the prize highlights the creativity and collaboration reshaping education, showing how schools are unlocking students’ potential and reimagining the future of learning.
Promoting Peace and Global Citizenship
The Learning Planet Institute notes that the award aligns with global citizenship, peace-building, and preparing young people to become active, responsible members of society.
Driving Sustainability in Education
The World’s Largest Lesson applauds the prize for rewarding schools that integrate sustainability into everyday practice—from classrooms to campus infrastructure and community action.
Shaping Stronger Communities
Former Ofsted Chair Dame Christine Ryan acknowledges schools as the heart of communities, and the prize as a platform to showcase institutions leading with purpose and innovation.
The Varkey Foundation emphasizes that the prize is more than a recognition, it is a movement to scale the best ideas in education and spark bold conversations about the future of learning.
How to Apply for the Global Schools Prize 2025
Applying is simple and accessible:
- Register an account on the official Prize Platform.
- Verify your email (check spam/junk if you do not receive it).
- Start and save your application at your own pace.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline for judging.
The Varkey Foundation Global Schools Prize 2025 is an extraordinary opportunity for schools making a real difference. With a $1 million prize fund, global visibility, and access to a powerful network, this award celebrates schools that are courageously shaping the next generation of education.
For more inquiries, visit the Global Schools Prize.
