Your journey to global recognition starts here
Welcome to the World’s Best School Prizes 2026
We identify and celebrate schools' innovative practices that are transforming education and making a real impact on their communities.
By shining a spotlight on these inspiring success stories, we are celebrating what’s possible in education.
Time left to apply:
About:
Our five Prize categories are:
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World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration;
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World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action;
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World’s Best School Prize for Innovation;
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World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity;
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World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives.
After a Top 10 shortlist, we will name one winner per Prize. The five winners will be selected by our Judging Academy based on the judging criteria for each Prize. In addition to this, we will give a “Community Choice Award” to any of the fifty Top 10 shortlisted schools that scored the highest number of votes in the Public Vote.
Who is eligible to apply?
Our application process is open to schools worldwide that meet the following criteria:
- School level: Kindergarten, primary or/and secondary schools – institutions that teach students in compulsory schooling, and are legally registered with their respective Ministry of Education or government regulatory authority.
- School modality: Traditional/brick-and-mortar, online/virtual/fully remote learning and/or hybrid/blended.
- School type: Government-funded institutions, Private and independent schools, whether faith-based, international, or low-cost, are also eligible. Additionally, schools managed by charities or NGOs can apply.
Read more about the application process.
General requirements to apply:
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All applications must be submitted online before the deadline, March 6th 2026.
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Only Teachers, School Administrators, or Principals who currently work and operate in the school can submit an application. Applicants must be aged +18 and have an authorisation of the school’s authorities.
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Applications can be submitted in any language and the process is free of charge.
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A school can apply for more than one Prize category but must submit separate entries for each category application.
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Schools that belong to a network must apply as individual schools, not as an organisation.
