Two London schools have been named as finalists for the World’s Best School Prize, which celebrates institutions that are having a transformative impact on students' lives both in and out of the classroom.
Rivers Academy West London, a state secondary in Feltham, and One Degree Academy, a state-funded nursery and primary in Enfield, have both been named as finalists.
Five World’s Best School Prizes are up for grabs – for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – with winners selected by a panel of experts and announced in October.
A public vote, now open, will also decide the Community Choice Award from among the 50 finalists.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, congratulated the teachers and students at both schools on their well-deserved nominations.
“Rivers Academy’s nomination reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing students’ wellbeing and building their confidence through projects that also benefit the wider community,” she said.
“One Degree Academy is delivering exceptional results by supporting children and families facing disadvantage and helping pupils access a wide range of activities as they progress from nursery through to primary. Both schools are shining examples of the life-changing impact education can have in our capital, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Rivers Academy West London, in Hounslow, has been nominated for the Supporting Healthy Lives award in recognition of its significant impact on students’ mental and physical wellbeing.
One Degree Academy has been nominated for the Overcoming Adversity award for delivering an “exceptional education” that helps students from all backgrounds build resilience and practical skills, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
The winners and finalists of the global schools prizes will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 15 to 16 where they will share their best practices and experience with policymakers and leading figures in global education.
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “In a world being turned upside down by AI, as technology reshapes the way we learn and renders centuries-old jobs obsolete, and amid growing challenges of climate change, conflict, poverty and populism, our young people face a more precarious future than ever. And a good education, with humans at its heart, has never been more important.
“It is in schools like Rivers Academy West London and One Degree Academy where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future. Congratulations on becoming finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2025. Leaders and schools around the world have so much to learn from these inspirational London institutions.”
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the London Borough of Hounslow, said: “Congratulations to Rivers Academy West London on this tremendous achievement. You have done our borough proud and shown that Hounslow’s inspirational teachers and bright young students can truly stand among the best in the world.”
