Three Pakistani schools shortlisted for World’s Best School Prizes 2025 have gained global recognition for their innovative contributions to education. Two schools from Lahore and one from Quetta earned a spot on the prestigious shortlist, as announced in a press release issued by T4 Education, the award’s organizer.
The World’s Best School Prizes are recognized globally as five of the most prestigious awards in the education sector. These awards celebrate schools that excel in Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. Finalists are chosen by an international panel based on detailed and strict evaluation.
Pakistan’s Finalist Schools: A Snapshot of Innovation
The three nominated institutions are:
- Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust Higher Secondary School (Lahore)
- Nordic International School (Lahore)
- Beaconhouse College Programme, Juniper Campus (Quetta)
In addition to the primary categories, all 50 finalists across the five prize categories will be considered for the Community Choice Award, determined by public voting now open worldwide. Winners across all categories will be officially announced in October.
Sanjan Nagar: Overcoming Educational Challenges in Lahore
Sanjan Nagar, based in Glaxo Town, Lahore, is a charity-run school shortlisted in the Overcoming Adversity category. From its beginnings in an abandoned factory, the institution has grown into a modern campus with over 800 students. The school adopted the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum to empower underprivileged children through inquiry-based, inclusive education. It focuses on equipping marginalized students with essential 21st-century skills.
Nordic International: Community-Centered Success
Also located in Lahore, the Nordic International School earned its place among the finalists in the Community Collaboration category. Operating as an independent institution, it offers education from kindergarten through secondary levels. What truly sets Nordic apart is its direct involvement of parents in their children’s academic journey. The school fosters a culture of kindness, engagement, and inclusion, creating an environment where students thrive both academically and emotionally.
Beaconhouse Quetta: Bringing STEM to Remote Areas
In Quetta, the Beaconhouse Juniper Campus gained recognition for its groundbreaking project, Science Gaari—a student-led, mobile laboratory that delivers hands-on science education to remote and underserved communities. This innovative STEM outreach program, launched in partnership with UNICEF, breaks down educational barriers for children in rural areas. By bringing real-world scientific tools and interactive learning directly to students, the initiative makes science accessible where it once seemed out of reach. The school’s efforts earned it a spot in the Community Collaboration category.
A Proud Moment, but Challenges Remain
T4 founder Vikas Pota applauded the Pakistani schools for showcasing resilience and innovation. He emphasized that their global recognition comes at a time when the world faces complex issues like climate change, AI disruption, inequality, and poverty. According to Pota, these schools demonstrate the kind of human-focused education that today’s world desperately needs.
However, despite international praise, Pakistan’s education system still faces serious challenges. The federal government allocated Rs66.4 billion for higher education in the 2025–26 budget—falling short of the Rs84.6 billion requested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This funding gap reflects broader systemic struggles.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed one of the nation’s most pressing issues: over 22 million children remain out of school. He stressed the urgent need to prioritize girls’ education, especially in Muslim countries. According to him, educating young girls could uplift not only families and communities but also the entire economy.
