Varkey Foundation
Applications are open for the Global Schools Prize 2027, an international education award launched by the Varkey Foundation to recognise exceptional schools that are improving learning, supporting students and reimagining the future of education. The prize celebrates schools that demonstrate meaningful impact through innovative teaching, inclusive practices, student wellbeing, teacher development and solutions to educational challenges.
The Global Schools Prize aims to identify schools whose work can inspire improvements in education beyond their own communities. It welcomes applications from eligible schools worldwide, including government funded and privately funded institutions. Schools may apply directly or be nominated by another individual or organisation, although nominated schools must also complete an application to be considered.
The 2027 edition offers a total prize fund of US$1 million. Ten category winners will each receive US$50,000, while one outstanding school selected from among the category winners will receive an additional US$500,000 to expand its impact. The prize provides an opportunity for schools to gain international recognition and access a wider network of educational institutions.
The Global Schools Prize was established in 2025 by education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey. It complements the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize by recognising the role that schools play as institutions of learning, innovation and social change.
The prize focuses on schools that go beyond routine educational delivery to address real challenges facing learners, teachers and communities. These may include improving access to quality education, introducing responsible artificial intelligence into classrooms, supporting children affected by adversity, strengthening environmental awareness or investing in the professional development of teachers.
The competition recognises that educational excellence can take different forms depending on the needs of a school and its community. Applicants should therefore demonstrate the relevance of their work, the results achieved and the potential for their approach to influence or benefit others.
• Ten category winning schools will each receive US$50,000.
• One overall winning school will receive an additional US$500,000 to scale its impact.
• Longlisted schools will receive a Global Schools Prize Badge recognising their achievements.
• Longlisted schools will gain access to the Global Schools Network.
• Network opportunities include professional development, partnerships and collaboration with other leading educational institutions.
• Schools can gain international visibility for successful educational practices and initiatives.
• Recognition can help schools share effective approaches with other institutions and communities.
Important funding information: Prize money is intended for activities that further the charitable objectives of the Varkey Foundation and is subject to the foundation's grant terms and conditions.
Schools can apply in a category that best reflects their achievements and contribution to education.
• AI Transformation: Schools that integrate artificial intelligence responsibly and inclusively to improve teaching and learning.
• Arts, Culture and Creativity: Institutions that encourage artistic expression and incorporate cultural heritage into education.
• Character and Values Driven Education: Schools that develop empathy, integrity, respect, service and responsible student leadership.
• Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding: Institutions that promote intercultural understanding, peace, critical thinking and collaboration.
• Health and Wellbeing: Schools that support the physical and mental health of students and staff through appropriate services and a nurturing environment.
• Overcoming Adversity: Schools that maintain or improve educational opportunities despite challenges such as poverty, conflict, displacement, natural disasters or limited resources.
• SEND and Inclusive Education: Institutions that improve access to quality education for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
• STEM Education: Schools that demonstrate achievement in science, technology, engineering, economics and mathematics, while developing essential skills for the future.
• Sustainability: Institutions that promote environmental education, climate action and sustainable practices within and beyond the classroom.
• Teacher Development: Schools that invest in teacher training, professional growth and staff wellbeing.
The Global Schools Prize is open to eligible educational institutions in countries around the world, subject to the competition's legal and funding restrictions.
• The applicant must be a school serving children of compulsory school age or learners generally between four and eighteen years old under the relevant local laws.
• Government funded, local authority maintained, private and independent schools may apply.
• Schools with specialist admissions requirements or particular educational focuses, including faith schools and special schools, may be eligible.
• Preschools, nurseries, universities and other further or higher education institutions are not included in the stated definition of an eligible school.
• The applicant must not be prohibited by applicable law from participating in the competition or receiving the prize.
• The applicant must meet the relevant financial and legal eligibility requirements set out in the official terms and conditions.
• Applicants must comply with the foundation's requirements concerning professional conduct, safeguarding and investigations that could affect eligibility.
• The school's work should demonstrate meaningful achievement relevant to its selected prize category.
Schools should consult the official eligibility criteria and terms before applying, particularly where local legal restrictions or safeguarding matters may affect participation.
Applications are assessed according to the school's contribution to the category in which it applies. The competition seeks institutions demonstrating significant educational achievements and approaches that could inform or inspire wider improvements.
Applicants should be prepared to explain how their work addresses a specific educational need, what has been achieved and why the school's approach is valuable. Evidence of impact and a clear connection between the school's activities and its chosen category can help demonstrate the strength of an application.
The selection process includes a longlisting stage, followed by the identification of category winners and the overall prize winner. The Global Schools Prize Council provides strategic guidance, while the wider Prize Academy participates in the selection process.
Varkey Foundation
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