5 Indian schools shortlisted for World's Best School Prizes 2024, details here

Five Indian schools have been highlighted among the top 10 finalists across diverse categories for the annual World's Best School Prizes, hosted in the UK. These awards recognize schools globally for their substantial contributions to societal advancement.

Among the finalists announced last week, two schools from Madhya Pradesh, and one each from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are competing across different categories to secure a portion of the USD 50,000 prize fund.

The World's Best School Prizes, encompassing categories such as Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives, were established by T4 Education, based in the UK. These awards aim to showcase schools that have profoundly impacted their classrooms and broader communities, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Trailblazing Indian schools like Government CM RISE Model HSS, Jhabua; Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj; G H S S Vinoba Ambedkar Nagar, Ratlam; Kalvi International Public School (Madurai); and Mumbai Public School L K Waghji International (IGCSE), which have cultivated a strong culture and aren't afraid to innovate, show the difference that can be made to so many lives. Schools everywhere can now learn from their solutions, and it's time governments do so as well," says Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World's Best School Prizes.

These schools, each from different parts of India, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to education and community development, setting benchmarks for schools worldwide.

Let's delve into the unique achievements and contributions of each of these schools:

1. Government CM RISE Model Higher Secondary School, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

• Category: Supporting Healthy Lives

This government school stands out for its holistic approach to health and education. Located in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, the school focusses on integrating health education, providing nutritious meals, and engaging the community to uplift children from Scheduled Tribes, often facing significant socio-economic challenges. Their efforts aim to eradicate poverty by ensuring children receive quality education and maintain good health and well-being. This approach addresses the root causes of poverty and aims to create long-lasting change in the community.

2. Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi

• Category: Environmental Action

Ryan International School in Delhi has made remarkable strides in addressing environmental issues such as water scarcity and pollution. The school implements innovative projects, including hydroponics and biogas plants, which not only provide practical environmental education for students but also contribute to sustainable community practices. These initiatives showcase how educational institutions can play a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness and action, setting an example for others to follow.

3. Government Higher Secondary School Vinoba Ambedkar Nagar, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

• Category: Innovation

Located in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, this state school is recognised for its innovative approach to education, particularly in serving tribal girls from urban slum communities. The school has become a beacon of innovation by creating a supportive learning environment that encourages formal education among a demographic traditionally hesitant to engage with the education system. Their work demonstrates the power of innovative educational practices in transforming lives and communities.

4. Kalvi International Public School, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

• Category: Community Collaboration

Kalvi International Public School in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, excels in using education and sports to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By focusing on community collaboration, the school not only provides quality education but also helps students achieve excellence in various fields, thereby transforming their lives and futures. This holistic approach to education underscores the importance of community engagement in achieving educational success and social upliftment.

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

Category: Supporting Healthy Lives

This state-run school in Maharashtra is noted for its significant efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles among its students. By actively eliminating junk food and promoting healthy eating habits, the school aims to instil long-term healthy behaviour in students. This initiative is particularly crucial in today's world, where lifestyle diseases are on the rise, highlighting the role of schools in fostering not just academic but also physical well-being.

T4 Education will select the winners of the five prizes through a rigorous evaluation by an expert "Judging Academy," continuing the tradition from previous years. Alongside this process, all 50 shortlisted schools across the prize categories will participate in a public vote that commenced last week.

The top three finalists for each prize, supported by Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, are set to be unveiled in September, with the ultimate winners announced in November. Jill Huntley, Managing Director of Global Corporate Citizenship at Accenture, commended the shortlisted schools, recognising their pivotal role in tackling contemporary challenges. Their innovative solutions, showcased through the World's Best School Prizes platform, aim to inspire educational communities worldwide, from classrooms to leadership.

The total prize pool of USD 50,000 will be divided equally among the five winners, granting each recipient USD 10,000. Additionally, the winner of the Community Choice Award, determined by public vote, will gain membership to Best School to Work, an independent certificate recognising outstanding school culture and work environments.