Here's why you'll want
to apply right now

Gain global recognition, inspire change, and connect with education
leaders worldwide. Apply now to celebrate your achievements!

Celebrate your school's achievements

The World’s Best School Prizes offer a chance to see your school's achievements celebrated on a global stage. Shortlisted schools will share their best practices, inspire countless others with their innovative solutions, and even impact the course of national policy. Open to all schools that are changing lives in the classroom and beyond, if you have an amazing story, we want to hear it!

Students and staff celebrating with colorful balloons and a banner for Starfish School, a Top 10 Finalist for the World's Best School Prizes in Innovation.

How our schools are
changing education policy

Prize-winning and shortlisted schools are driving global change, inspiring leaders across the world with innovative practices and amazing success stories that can help improve education everywhere.

President Gabriel Boric with a group celebrating at Escuela Emilia Lascár, holding a certificate in a gymnasium.

Chile

Escuela Emilia Lascár

President Gabriel Boric visited the winning school and integrated their innovation into national reforms.

Chile

Escuela Emilia Lascár

President Gabriel Boric visited the winning school and integrated their innovation into national 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.”

—President Gabriel Boric

Children dressed in vibrant traditional Colombian attire performing a cultural dance outdoors.

Colombia

Institución Educativa Municipal Montessori Sede San Francisco

Education Minister Aurora Vergara updated policy to support environmental projects, inspired by a winning school.

Colombia

Institución Educativa Municipal Montessori Sede San Francisco

Education Minister Aurora Vergara updated policy to support environmental projects, inspired by a winning school.

“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.”

—Minister Aurora Vergara

National Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek presenting an award to representatives at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Permai in Malaysia.

Malaysia

Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Permai

After visiting the schools shortlisted for the Prizes, the National Minister of Education expressed her admiration for their achievements.

Malaysia

Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Permai

National Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek

After visiting the schools shortlisted for the Prizes, the National Minister of Education expressed her admiration for their achievements.

“These Malaysian schools’ prize recognitions are a glimpse of growth and potential, and show that the education reform we envision is on its way.”

—Minister Fadhlina Sidek, New Straits Times

Why apply to the World’s Best School Prizes?

For too long, the world has waited for top-down reforms to address the global education crisis. The World’s Best School Prizes show that schools themselves are the innovators, and that systemic change can come from the grassroots.
Our mission is to elevate schools' voices and showcase their solutions to inspire global change.

Children performing a ribbon dance in yellow outfits during a colorful celebration.

Spotlighting schools on the world stage

From royalty to celebrity, from presidents to prime ministers, our schools gain global recognition and unparalleled influence.

Governor of Ceará, Elmano Freitas

In Brazil, Governor Elmano Freitas of Ceará visited EEMTI Joaquim Bastos Gonçalves, the 2023 winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives. During his visit, he met with staff and students to learn more about the school’s pioneering work in the area of mental health. Governor Freitas also took the opportunity to release long-awaited resources and equipment for the school, further supporting its vital initiatives.

"This school stands out internationally as an example in the field of mental health for all of our schools," said Governor Freitas.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

In the Republic of Colombia, during a visit to La Giralda School in Bogotá - recognised by the World’s Best School Prizes - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were welcomed by Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina, also the Minister of Equality and Equity. During their visit, Vice President Márquez remarked, “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.

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”.

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde

In South Africa, Premier Alan Winde of the Western Cape congratulated Pinelands North Primary School when it was shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. Premier Winde expressed his pride, stating, "I am elated that two of our schools made the shortlist, and even more thrilled that Pinelands North Primary School made it to the top 3. Pinelands North is blazing a trail in delivering quality, inclusivity, and that feeling of hope we all aspire to. I am very proud that we can call them part of ‘Team Western Cape’."

King of Spain, Felipe VI

In Spain, King Felipe VI visited Trilema Soria, a school shortlisted in the Top 10 for the Innovation Prize category of the World’s Best School Prizes. The visit highlighted the school's exceptional contributions to education. Carmen Pellicer, the School Principal, remarked, "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.

Sir Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister

In the United Kingdom, Sir Tony Blair, former Prime Minister and former Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, extended his congratulations to Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy on its selection as a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation 2023.

Dame Emma Thompson

In the United Kingdom, Dame Emma Thompson congratulated Dunoon Grammar School on winning the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration.

New York Stock Exchange

In the United States of America, the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2022 was honoured by ringing the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. This event was held in celebration of the school's remarkable achievements and to highlight the importance of strong, healthy school communities.

Your school could be the next success story

We give schools an unparalleled platform to showcase their work. We put them on the map and give them a voice at the top table of decision-making.

Through the mechanism of the Prizes, we are:

  • Directly improving students’ learning outcomes by strengthening schools, their innovations and their communities.
  • Unlocking system change by informing policy-making processes with proven solutions.

Voices of change
from school leaders

Hear from school leaders across the globe on the incredible
difference the World’s Best School Prizes have made to their
students, their communities, and their nations.

Why apply testimonials

“Since the nomination, our work has received various recognitions from different organisations. One of the most notable is my recognition with the Educational Leadership Award in Chile, which annually acknowledges the best school directors in the country. Additionally, we recently learned that one of our teachers has been selected as a finalist for the Global Teacher Prize. Lastly, one of the most significant post-nomination achievements is that our school was invited by the Ministry of Education to represent Chile at the APEC School Leadership Program Summit, focused on innovation.”

Liceo Bicentenario People Help People de Pilmaiquen, Chile

“Currently our Commercial Educational Institution of Envigado is being contacted by robotics and technology companies such as Minciencias, Samsung Foundation, Terpel to help us improve technological inventions in favour of the environment due to being shortlisted in the Environmental Action category. We are very happy because the government of Envigado has generated municipal recognition thanks to the World's Best School Prizes from T4-Education and in the same way the Ministry of National Education is supporting us, we are generating alliances with other educational institutions, universities and foundations.”

Institución Educativa Comercial de Envigado, Colombia

“After the big announcement of World's Best Schools Prizes, parents have started rushing to us for admissions. Not only this, we have started receiving letters from the Ministry, local corporators and influential people for seeking admissions to our school. People are ready to pay high donations and donate materials free of cost just for the sake of admissions. This experience really gives us the feeling of accomplishment and achievement!”

Mumbai Public School L.K. Waghji International (IGCSE), India

“The prize has allowed to create a sort of revolution!! During the days after the announcement many media, many politicians, many organisations and companies have contacted us. We are creating agreements and new projects with many organisations for students and teachers with organisations, different technician schools, communities, University, ITS, companies and all of them to enlarge our collaborations and community.”

Istituto Guglielmo Marconi Dalmine (Italy), Italy

“The visibility and recognition from the T4 World’s Best School Prizes have not only validated our efforts but also energised our entire school community. The enthusiasm and commitment from our staff, students, and parents have been overwhelming.”

Beaconhouse School System Primary Campus Sargodha, Pakistan

“Since we have been shortlisted the most significant impact that we have seen is with the teachers. The school government officials have visited our school 6 times since the announcement and brought leaders from other schools with them to see how we teach.”

Hero School, Guatemala

“The impact from our school has created such a positive wave and we have received so much support from Business and Educational Leaders. We have also been invited to speak at other schools.”

Davis Middle School, USA

How to apply and what your
school can gain

Our application process is designed to create impact at every step, offering
insights and growth opportunities.

Global recognition

Reach an audience of millions and gain global media exposure.

Community engagement

Build lasting connections with leaders and change makers.

Inspiration and impact

Attract partnerships, and enhance community pride.

Inspire change
beyond your school

By sharing your school’s best practices, you will inspire change across the world.

Stay connected with
the T4 community

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.

Four smiling schoolgirls in uniforms with arms around each other in a classroom setting.

Brazil

Governor of Ceará, Elmano Freitas

In Brazil, Governor Elmano Freitas of Ceará visited EEMTI Joaquim Bastos Gonçalves, the 2023 winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives. During his visit, he met with staff and students to learn more about the school’s pioneering work in the area of mental health. Governor Freitas also took the opportunity to release long-awaited resources and equipment for the school, further supporting its vital initiatives.

"This school stands out internationally as an example in the field of mental health for all of our schools," said Governor Freitas.

Colombia

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

In the Republic of Colombia, during a visit to La Giralda School in Bogotá - recognised by the World’s Best School Prizes - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were welcomed by Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina, also the Minister of Equality and Equity. During their visit, Vice President Márquez remarked, “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.

India

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”.

South Africa

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde

In South Africa, Premier Alan Winde of the Western Cape congratulated Pinelands North Primary School when it was shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. Premier Winde expressed his pride, stating, "I am elated that two of our schools made the shortlist, and even more thrilled that Pinelands North Primary School made it to the top 3. Pinelands North is blazing a trail in delivering quality, inclusivity, and that feeling of hope we all aspire to. I am very proud that we can call them part of ‘Team Western Cape’."

Spain

King of Spain, Felipe VI

In Spain, King Felipe VI visited Trilema Soria, a school shortlisted in the Top 10 for the Innovation Prize category of the World’s Best School Prizes. The visit highlighted the school's exceptional contributions to education. Carmen Pellicer, the School Principal, remarked, "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.

United Kingdom

Sir Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister

In the United Kingdom, Sir Tony Blair, former Prime Minister and former Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, extended his congratulations to Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy on its selection as a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation 2023.

United Kingdom

Dame Emma Thompson

In the United Kingdom, Dame Emma Thompson congratulated Dunoon Grammar School on winning the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration.

USA

New York Stock Exchange

In the United States of America, the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2022 was honoured by ringing the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. This event was held in celebration of the school's remarkable achievements and to highlight the importance of strong, healthy school communities.

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