The World’s Best School Prizes 2025 winners

A Favor del Niño (AFN), a charity school in Mexico City, Mexico, is transforming education for children from some of the city’s most marginalised communities. With a deeply rooted, community-driven model, the school goes far beyond academics – integrating health, nutrition, and socio-emotional support to ensure every child has the foundation to thrive. By placing families at the centre and working in close partnership with local organisations and public institutions, the school empowers students not just to succeed in school, but to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose. It’s a shining example of how education, when anchored in community, can break cycles of disadvantage and build lasting change.

Arbor School, an independent school in Dubai, UAE, takes sustainability beyond the classroom with a bold curriculum rooted in eco-literacy and regenerative practices. From climate-conscious architecture to student-led environmental advocacy, Arbor empowers young people to lead the charge in addressing the ecological challenges of today, and tomorrow.

Franklin School, an independent secondary school in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. At the heart of its mission is a commitment to student agency – giving young people the freedom to shape their own educational journeys through a personalised, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends technology, design thinking, and real-world problem-solving. By empowering learners to explore their passions, embrace complexity, and tackle real challenges, Franklin is not just preparing students for exams – it’s nurturing bold, curious minds ready to lead and thrive in an ever-changing world. A true blueprint for 21st-century education.

Escola Estadual Parque dos Sonhos, a public school in Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil, has turned hardship into hope. Located in a region long affected by pollution, poverty, and violence, the school has become a sanctuary for its students – offering not just education, but emotional support, safety, and a strong sense of purpose. In what has been nothing short of a remarkable transformation, the school once labelled a “school of nightmares” is now proudly known as a “school of dreams” – building a brighter future, one student at a time.

SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1), a public primary school in Putrajaya, Malaysia, is transforming the conversation around mental health and wellbeing in schools. At the heart of its approach is HELPIE, an award-winning mobile app designed by students, for students – breaking down stigma and making mental health support accessible, interactive, and engaging. By seamlessly integrating emotional wellbeing, physical activity, nutrition, and peer connection into daily school life, the school has built a thriving culture where health isn’t treated as an extra – it’s embedded in the very fabric of learning. SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) is showing the world what it means to raise a generation that is not only smart, but strong in mind and heart.

The winner of the Community Choice Award is:
ZP School Jalindarnagar, a government primary school in Khed, Pune, Maharashtra, India, is transforming public education through its visionary Subject Friend system. This innovative peer-learning model empowers students of different ages to teach and learn from one another, creating dynamic, inclusive classrooms where everyone’s voice matters. Despite limited resources and rural isolation, the school’s outstanding dedication and strong community involvement — from local villagers to parents and former students — have made it a beacon of innovation and inclusion, driving lasting positive change across the region.