Five exemplary Indian schools have been recognized among the top 10 finalists across various categories for the annual World’s Best School Prizes, organized in the UK. These awards celebrate schools globally for their significant contributions to societal progress.

Last week, two schools from Madhya Pradesh, and one each from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu were revealed as finalists across various categories competing for a portion of the USD 50,000 prize fund. The World’s Best School Prizes, which include awards for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives, were established by UK-based T4 Education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These prizes aim to highlight schools that are making a transformative impact within their classrooms and communities.

“Trailblazing Indian schools like Government CM RISE Model HSS in Jhabua, Ryan International School in Vasant Kunj, G H S S Vinoba Ambedakar Nagar in Ratlam, Kalvi International Public School in Madurai, and Mumbai Public School L K Waghji International (IGCSE) have established a strong culture of innovation that makes a significant difference in the lives of many. These schools serve as exemplary models from which others worldwide can learn, urging governments to take note,” stated Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes.

Government CM RISE Model HSS, located in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, is a government school recognized for its initiatives in health education, providing nutritional meals, and engaging with the community to uplift children from Scheduled Tribes out of poverty. The school has been selected as a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize in the category of “Supporting Healthy Lives”.

Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, an independent kindergarten through secondary school in Delhi, is recognized for its innovative projects addressing water scarcity and pollution. These initiatives include hydroponics and biogas plants. The school has been honored as a Top 10 finalist in the “Environmental Action” category for the World’s Best School Prize.

G H S S Vinoba Ambedakar Nagar, located in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, is a state kindergarten through secondary school known for its innovative approach in public education. Originally established to provide education to tribal girls in an urban slum community, the school has overcome initial hesitations towards formal education. It has been chosen as a finalist in the “Innovation” category for the World’s Best School Prize.

Kalvi International Public School, located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is an independent school renowned for its transformative impact through education and sports. The school focuses on empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds to excel academically and athletically. Kalvi International Public School has been recognized as a Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize in the category of “Community Collaboration”.

Mumbai Public School L K Waghji International (IGCSE), located in Maharashtra, is a state kindergarten and primary school known for its efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among students. The school has implemented measures such as eliminating junk food from its premises. As a result, it has been recognized in the “Supporting Healthy Lives” category for the World’s Best School Prize.

According to T4 Education, similar to previous years, the winners of the five Prizes will be selected by an expert “Judging Academy” using rigorous criteria. Additionally, all 50 shortlisted schools across the five prize categories will participate in a public vote, which commenced last week.

The top three finalists for each prize category, in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, will be announced in September, with the winners being unveiled in November.

Jill Huntley, Managing Director – Global Corporate Citizenship at Accenture, commented on the shortlisted schools, stating: “Your vital work brings hope that solutions can be found to some of the greatest challenges we face today. Through the platform of the World’s Best School Prizes, your solutions will now inspire countless others across the globe from the classrooms to the administration.”

The prize money of USD 50,000 will be distributed equally among the winners of the five prizes, with each recipient receiving an award of USD 10,000.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Community Choice Award, determined through public vote, will receive membership to Best School to Work. This independent, evidence-based certification mechanism recognizes schools for their positive culture and supportive working environment.