*Shortlisted schools to receive a Global Prize Badge for world-class impact across 10 categories
*10 winners will receive $50,000 each in the categories of AI Transformation, Arts, Culture and Creativity, Character- and Values-Driven Education; Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding, Health and Wellbeing, Overcoming Adversity; SEND/Inclusive Education, STEM Education, Sustainability and Teacher Development
*“The Global Schools Prize is more than an award – it’s a movement to reimagine learning in a world of constant change. By recognising multiple winners, we shine a light on the many ways schools are driving progress”– Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Schools
*“The Global Schools Prize celebrates the ideas and innovations that are transforming education. Around the world, schools are reimagining what is possible – finding new ways to inspire curiosity, strengthen resilience, and unlock the potential of every learner” -Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO and co-Chair of the Global Schools Prize Council
*BY MOHAMMED AKILU, Editor, Northern Nigeria Operations, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER Inc USA
Floodgates of opportunities are now opened to Nigerian schools to officially apply and compete for One Million United States dollars ($1Million) in an academic competition put in place by the Varkey Foundation Initiative in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The aim of the competition is to celebrate the world’s most innovative and impactful schools that are reimagining education for the future.
Longlisted schools will receive a Global Schools Prize Badge for world-class impact across 10 categories, including in AI transformation, sustainability, peacebuilding, teacher development, and more.
A press statement issued by the organizers said one extraordinary school will claim the Global Schools Prize and $500,000 to scale its vision, while 10 category winners will receive $50,000 each.
On the jury panel are Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board, to co-Chair newly established Global Schools Prize Council.
Other members include Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD, as well as former Presidents and former Education Ministers. The Council, which will guide the prize, will also be part of a prestigious judging academy which includes past winners of the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize, and leading voices shaping the future of education, technology, social impact, and many more personalities.
Peter Tabichi, the visionary Kenyan educator who won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize, today called on ‘extraordinary’ Nigerian schools to apply for the $1 million Global Schools Prize. This new award will honour schools that are reimagining education for the future.
Founded by renowned 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.
The Global Schools Prize will identify outstanding schools worldwide that demonstrate drive and ambition for their students, regardless of circumstance, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive.
Those longlisted will 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.
The longlisted schools will be split into 10 categories – and 10 outstanding category winners will each be awarded $50,000. To broaden opportunities for global collaboration, the Varkey Foundation is building a growing network of partners and sponsors across every category. Of the 10 category winners, one extraordinary school will receive the Global Schools Prize and $500,000 to scale its initiative.
A Global Schools Prize Council, made up of some of the most respected and influential figures in global education, technology, and philanthropy, will guide the prize and provide strategic insight. It will be co-chaired by Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, and Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board. The Council will be part of a wider Global Schools Prize Academy, which will choose the winner.
Peter Tabichi, winner of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize, said: “As a teacher, I have seen first-hand how schools in Nigeria rise to challenges with creativity and heart – finding remarkable ways to build brighter futures for their students. The Global Schools Prize is a unique chance to showcase these heroic institutions on the world stage. I encourage schools across Nigeria to apply – because your vision, courage, and commitment to education can inspire not just our nation, but the entire world.”
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Schools Prize said: “The Global Schools Prize is more than an award – it’s a movement to reimagine learning in a world of constant change. By recognising multiple winners, we shine a light on the many ways schools are driving progress – from innovation and teacher development to sustainability and student wellbeing. By celebrating these institutions, we can spark a global conversation about scaling the best ideas in education and inspire action that resonates far beyond the classroom.”
Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO and co-Chair of the Global Schools Prize Council, said: “The Global Schools Prize celebrates the ideas and innovations that are transforming education. Around the world, schools are reimagining what is possible – finding new ways to inspire curiosity, strengthen resilience, and unlock the potential of every learner. By sharing these breakthroughs on a global stage, the prize reminds us that the power of Education lies not only in knowledge, but in the creativity and collaboration that drive progress.”
In her own words, Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board, said: “Schools are at the very heart of communities, shaping not only the future of individual learners but the future of societies. The Global Schools Prize shines a spotlight on institutions that are leading with courage, creativity, and purpose – schools that refuse to stand still in the face of change. This prize is about celebrating their impact and encouraging global collaboration so that innovation in one school can inspire progress in thousands more.”
The inaugural Global Schools Prize will recognise schools across 10 categories: AI Transformation, Arts, Culture and Creativity, Character- and Values-Driven Education; Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding, Health and Wellbeing, Overcoming Adversity; SEND/Inclusive Education, STEM Education, Sustainability and Teacher Development
The Global Schools Prize is open to government-run and privately funded schools worldwide that are going above and beyond to deliver quality education. Applications are now open, and schools are interested in applying can visit www.globalschoolsprize.org
*Notes for Editors:
The Varkey Foundation believes every child deserves a vibrant, stimulating learning environment that awakens and supports their full potential. The foundation believes nothing is more important to achieving this than the passion and quality of teachers. They support global teaching capacity and seed excellence and innovation in the next generation of educators. They also founded the Global Teacher Prize to shine a spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world.
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