Two outstanding UK schools – both for the first time in Wales – have been named Top 3 finalists for the $250,000 World’s Best School Prizes 2023. The five World’s Best School Prizes, founded last year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah, and the Lemann Foundation, are the world’s most prestigious education prizes.
Cadoxton Primary School, a state school in Barry, Wales, UK, which has transformed the lives of its children and become a beacon for its disadvantaged community through a trailblazing ‘pay as you feel’ shop to tackle food poverty amid the cost-of-living crisis, has made the final 3 for the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity 2023.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Cadoxton Primary School and wish them every success as this exciting competition reaches its climax.
“Whatever the outcome, there can be no doubt as to the significant and lasting impact the school’s community initiatives have had on those living locally.
“During the pandemic and the following cost-of-living crisis, times that proved so challenging to many, Cadoxton Primary staff and pupils were there to offer support.
“Whether it was compiling food parcels, launching the pay-what-you-feel shop or the community laundrette, the school’s efforts have made a real difference and are appreciated by so many.
“Well done to all involved. As a local Authority, we are so very proud of your achievements as I’m sure is the whole Vale of Glamorgan.”
Cardiff Sixth Form College, an independent international school in Cardiff, Wales, UK, which has revolutionised the way its high-achieving A-Level students approach their mental and physical health, has made the final 3 for the World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives 2023.
Both schools were congratulated by Jeremy Miles, Welsh government Minister for Education and Welsh Language.
The five World’s Best School Prizes – for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – celebrate schools everywhere for the pivotal role they play in developing the next generation of learners and for their enormous contribution to society’s progress, especially in the wake of COVID. The Prizes were established to share the best practices of schools that are transforming the lives of their students and making a real difference to their communities.
The winners of the five Prizes will be chosen by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria. In addition, T4 Education has launched a new Community Choice Award this year – open to the 15 schools that make up the Top 3 finalists across all five World’s Best School Prizes – and given to the one school that inspires the most support in a Public Vote, which opened this week.
The winner of the Community Choice Award will receive membership to T4 Education’s new Best School to Work programme, an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their culture and help them transform their working environment to attract and retain the best teachers.
Jeremy Miles, Welsh government Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said:
“It’s brilliant to see two Welsh schools as finalists for this prize. I’m so proud of the important work Cadoxton Primary School do to support pupils and families. The school has been a big part of helping the Welsh Government find the best ways to tackle the impact of poverty on educational achievement. Llongyfarchiadau to Cardiff Sixth Form College too, it is great to hear how their students have been focusing on their physical and mental health – an important priority for all schools in Wales. Pob lwc pawb!”
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said:
“Congratulations to Cadoxton Primary School and Cardiff Sixth Form College on being named Top 3 finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2023. You, and your fellow finalists, have inspired me with the leadership, vision and culture you have fostered and for the exceptional teaching and learning environment you have built.
“As the world seeks to tackle a deepening education crisis, these outstanding Welsh schools light the path to a better future. It’s time for governments everywhere to listen to your voices and learn from your expertise.”
