A new international award has been launched to recognise schools leading the way in educational innovation. The $1 million Global Schools Prize, created by Dubai-based education philanthropist Sunny Varkey, will honour institutions that are redefining learning in a rapidly changing world.
Prize to spotlight innovation
Organised in partnership with UNESCO, the prize aims to highlight outstanding schools that demonstrate excellence in areas such as AI transformation, sustainability, teacher development, and student wellbeing.
The initiative is the latest from the Varkey Foundation, which also runs the Global Teacher Prize and Global Student Prize. Together, the three awards form a platform to recognise educators, learners, and institutions shaping the future of education.
Ten winners, one top prize
The Global Schools Prize will shortlist schools globally, awarding them a Global Schools Prize Badge to mark their impact. These schools will also be invited to join a new Global Schools Network, offering collaboration and professional development opportunities.
Ten category winners will each receive Dhs183,500 ($50,000), and one school among them will receive the main Global Schools Prize, worth Dhs1.83 million ($500,000), to expand its initiatives.
Expert council to lead
The prize will be guided by a Global Schools Prize Council, co-chaired by Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, and Dame Christine Ryan, former Chair of the Ofsted Board. The council includes education experts, philanthropists, and leaders from global institutions.
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation and Dubai’s GEMS Education, 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.”
Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour, winner of the 2025 Global Teacher Prize, added: “The Global Schools Prize is so important because it shines a light on how schools in every corner of the world are meeting today’s challenges with remarkable creativity. From student-led sustainability projects to reimagined curricula, some of the most powerful innovations are emerging in the classroom. By celebrating these efforts on a global stage, the prize ensures the voices and visions of students, teachers, school leaders, and parents help shape the future of education.”
Focus areas announced
The prize will recognise schools across ten 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
Teacher development
Stefania Giannini commented: “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.”
Notable council members include former heads of state, education ministers, and leaders from Microsoft, Eton College, the OECD, and more. The full list features Rosalia Arteaga, Nuno Crato, Andreas Schleicher, Dina Ghobashy, Lasse Leponiemi, Deborah Quazzo, Heekyung Min, Giuseppina Cannizzaro, Jonnie Noakes, and past prize winners such as Peter Tabichi and Nhial Deng.
The first Global Schools Prize winners will be announced next year.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
