World’s Best School Prizes

Celebrating schools that make a difference

Latest news

The World's Best School Prizes are the world's most prestigious education awards, giving inspirational schools a global platform so others can replicate their best practices.

Through this platform, we aim to celebrate schools everywhere for the pivotal role they play in developing the next generation of learners and for their enormous contribution to society's progress.

Global impact and real change

We give schools a platform to recognise their work, and a chance to put them on the map and have their voice heard. Global political leaders and celebrities have endorsed the schools that participate in the World's Best School Prizes.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

“We chose La Giralda because a great effort is being made here to strengthen the socio-emotional skills of the students, prioritising a topic that is fundamental in this agenda: the mental health of girls, boys, and young people,” said Vice President and Minister of Equality and Equity, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, upon the visit of Prince Harry & Meghan to the school

King of Spain, Felipe VI

King of Spain, Felipe VI, visited Trilema Soria. School in Spain Top 10 Shortlisted for the Innovation Prize category.

It's more than just an educational institution; it's a school of life. Hearing stories of how Soria has positively impacted people's lives, both personally and professionally, fills me with emotion. Knowing that Soria has become synonymous with transformation and possibility is incredibly gratifying." - Carmen Pellicer, School Principal

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav has congratulated the students, teachers, parents and the entire team of the School Education Department on Vinoba CM Rise School of Ratlam district making it to the Top 3 Finalist schools in the Innovation category of the World's Best School Prizes 2024. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has said that “today is a day of pride for the people of the state. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed confidence that this school will make it to the best schools in the world”.

Chile

President of Chile

In 2022, on hearing that Escuela Emilia Lascar, Chilean school won our inaugural World’s Best School Prize for Innovation, the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, visited the school on the same day of the announcement and committed to incorporating its innovation into his education reforms.

“There are times when it is very difficult to change, when the difficulties are so many, where it seems that the easiest thing is to do things as usual. But you dared to change and you won”.

Colombia

National Minister of Education

Upon Institución Educativa Municipal Montessori sede San Francisco, a Colombian school winning the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2023, the National Minister of Education of Colombia, Ms. Aurora Figueroa Vergara, visited the school to join the schools’ celebrations and announced the updating of the national environmental education policy, in addition to a significant budgetary commitment allocated to incentivising schools’ bio-infrastructure projects.

"This school is, without a doubt, an example of how environmental action can be an engine of change that contributes to the sustainable development of territories, local economy and protection of the environment. I hope that schools in Colombia and the world take this pedagogical experience as an example for what can be achieved when we build from education to protect life and nature" Aurora Vergara Figueroa, Minister of Education of Colombia, November 2023.

Philippines

Regional Director of Education

Upon finding out that Bonuan Buquig National High School in the Philippines had made it to the final stage of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, the Regional Director of Education in the Philippines urged the school principals across the 2860 elementary and secondary schools in the region, encompassing 1.2 million students, to replicate climate action project following the example of Bonuan Buquig National High School.

”I ask our school leaders to undertake concrete actions, the same as, or relatively similar to, what Bonuan Buquig NHS has shown the world. We will move the entire world for a better world for our children tomorrow.” Message of Regional Director for DepEd Region I, Tolentino G Aquino, in occasion of the National Day for Youth in Climate Action

Malaysia

National Minister of Education

after visiting the schools that were shortlisted for the Prizes, the National Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, published an op-ed in Malaysia’s New Straits Times stating that these Malaysian schools’ prize recognitions are, in her own words: “a glimpse of growth and potential, and that the education reform that we envision is on its way”.

United States of America

Governor of Illinois

In the United States, upon Chicago’s Curie Metropolitan High School winning the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives, the Governor of Illinois, J. B. Pritzker, invited the school’s leadership team to present the State of the State Address at the state capitol.

“Thank you for setting an example of educational growth.”
Governor of Illinois, J. B. Pritzker

Brazil

Governor of Ceara

The Governor of Ceara, Elmano Freitas, met the staff and students of EEMTI Joaquim Bastos Gonçalves, 2023 winner of World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives, to learn more about their work around mental health and also released the delivery of resources and equipment that the school had long-waited for.

“This school is stands out internationally as an example in the field of mental health to all of our schools”, Governor of Ceara, Elmano Freitas

Why apply

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 aim to drive global change. Our platform not only changes the lives of students and communities but also gives schools a voice in shaping the future of education.

  • Reflect on and share with the world what your school has learned, inspiring others with your story, experiences, and practical ideas.
  • Recognise and celebrate your school's achievements, empowering your community like never before.
  • Join a global community of schools dedicated to transforming education and gain access to a wealth of resources to network, learn, and grow.

Meet our 2024 winning schools:

Colegio María de Guadalupe

Argentina

Ryan International School

India

CM RISE School Vinoba

India

Unbreakable Ukraine

Poland

Istituto Galilei-Costa-Scarambone

Italy

Discover the inspiring stories behind our finalist schools and explore the categories that celebrate their achievements.

The winner of the Community Choice Award, having captured the most votes, will receive T4 Education’s Best School to Work certification programme.

We’re excited to reveal the winner of the 2024 Community Choice Award, chosen through a global Public Vote from the 50 shortlisted schools across all categories of the World’s Best School Prizes.

How to apply

Our application process is open to every school in the world. Learn more about the process and how to apply.

Judging process

Our judging process is a three-stage process based on the judging criteria of each Prize. Find out more about the process and meet our Judging Academy.

Want to be the first to hear about our prizes and how to apply? Join the T4 Community and you’ll get all the info you need alongside a wealth of resources and professional development opportunities.

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