Call for Nominations: Global Schools Prize

The Global Schools Prize is an international education award that recognizes exceptional schools re-imagining what’s possible in education. Founded in 2025 by Sunny Varkey under the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize “trilogy,” the prize provides category awards and a top award of US$500,000 to scale impact, as well as additional longlist recognition and network opportunities. Applications open on 30 September 2026 and close on 16 December 2026. Top finalists will be announced in March 2027, and the winner will be announced in May 2027. The Global Schools Prize is a landmark education award designed to recognize and celebrate schools worldwide that are “re-imagining what’s possible in education.” It aims to create a global conversation about what it takes to deliver the best possible education and to support innovation that equips children for the future. The Global Schools Prize forms part of a broader initiative alongside the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize, which together focus on educators, learners, and now schools as institutions of innovation and change. The prize provides both direct awards and additional recognition and development opportunities: The source text does not specify whether there is co-funding, restrictions on how funds may be used, or whether awards are contingent on specific reporting; readers should confirm this in the official Terms & Conditions and Eligibility & Categories pages. The supplied article text indicates there is an “Eligibility & Categories” section and eligibility criteria, but it does not provide the detailed eligibility requirements in the text you provided.

What is clear from the source:

Not specified in the source text:

For the official eligibility requirements, use the links on the Global Schools Prize page to Eligibility & Categories and Terms & Conditions. The source text does not list specific categories or priority areas in detail, but it does state that the longlist badge recognizes world-class impact across areas including: For the full list of categories and what each category evaluates, the source indicates there is a page titled “About the Categories & Eligibility.” The detailed categories are not included in the supplied text. This prize is relevant for schools (and school networks) aiming to showcase measurable innovation and impact in education. It is structured to recognize multiple outstanding schools through category awards, while also providing a larger scaling opportunity for one overall winner. In addition to prize money, longlisted schools receive a badge and access to a global network that supports collaboration and professional development.

Official page (start here): Global Schools Prize — Global Teacher Prize website

1) What is the Global Schools Prize?

The Global Schools Prize is an international education award recognizing exceptional schools worldwide that are re-imagining what’s possible in education.

2) How much funding is available?

The prize is described as a US$1 million education award. It includes ten category winners at US$50,000 each and one overall winner receiving US$500,000 to scale impact.

3) When is the application deadline for 2027?

Applications open 30 September 2026 and close 16 December 2026. The source text does not provide the deadline time or time zone.

4) How are winners selected and announced?

The source states that the top 50 finalists will be announced in March 2027, and the winner will be announced in May 2027. Detailed judging and selection methodology are not included in the supplied text.

5) Do longlisted schools receive anything besides the prize money?

Yes. The source states that longlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize Badge and are welcomed into the Global Schools Network, gaining access to partnerships, professional development, and global collaboration opportunities.

6) What categories or themes are covered?

The badge is said to cover areas ranging from AI transformation to teacher development. The full list of categories is referenced but not provided in the supplied text—review Eligibility & Categories for specifics.

7) What are the eligibility requirements?

The supplied text points to an Eligibility & Categories page, but it does not include the actual eligibility requirements. Applicants should consult the official eligibility guidance before applying. If you represent a school (or an eligible organization that can submit on behalf of schools), start by reviewing the official Eligibility & Categories and Terms & Conditions on the Global Schools Prize page. Then prepare your application materials according to the prize’s categories and submit before 16 December 2026, following the official “Apply” pathway shown on the website.