Global Schools Prize 2027 ($500,000 prize)

Overview

The Global Schools Prize 2027 is launched by the Varkey Foundation (VF) to recognise and celebrate exceptional schools around the world that are reimagining what is possible in education. The total prize fund is US$1 million. Ten category winners are chosen from a longlist and each receives $50,000, and one school is then awarded the Global Schools Prize of $500,000. Prize money can only be used for purposes that further the charitable objects of VF and is subject to further grant terms and conditions.

Categories

The ten categories are AI Transformation, Arts Culture and Creativity, Character and Values-driven Education, Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding, Health and Wellbeing, Overcoming Adversity, SEND and Inclusive Education, STEM Education, Sustainability, and Teacher Development. They cover areas such as responsible use of AI in teaching, creative expression and cultural heritage, student leadership and ethics, intercultural understanding, physical and mental health, success despite conflict, poverty or limited resources, education for children with special needs, science and maths skills, environmental education, and investment in teachers' growth and wellbeing.

What you get

Winning schools receive US$50,000 per category, and the overall winner receives US$500,000 to scale its impact. Longlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize Badge and access to the Global Schools Network, which offers partnerships, professional development and collaboration with other leading institutions.

Who can apply

The prize is open to all types of schools in every country, subject to any restrictions under the laws of England and Wales on VF sending funds to the school's country. A school means an institution that students of compulsory school age, or between the ages of 4 and 18, must attend under local law. Pre-schools, nurseries, colleges and universities are not included. State and fee-paying schools, schools with admissions criteria and specialist or faith schools are all eligible.

Requirements

Applicants must not be prohibited by law from taking part or receiving the prize, must not be insolvent or in liquidation, and must not have acted in a way that brings the education profession or VF into disrepute. This includes being under special measures, regulator investigation or material safeguarding investigations.

Key dates

The application deadline is December 16, 2026.