LONDON, May 1, 2026 /CNW/ – Pickering College in Newmarket, Ontario, has made the top 50 shortlist for the Global Schools Prize 2026. This initiative by the Varkey Foundation recognizes schools worldwide that are innovating and transforming education for a better future.
The school was chosen from nearly 3,000 nominations and applications across 113 countries. It is a finalist in the Sustainability category, backed by World’s Largest Lesson, which aims to bring Sustainable Development Goals into classrooms everywhere.
The shortlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize Badge as recognition of their impressive impact in areas such as AI integration and teacher development. They also join the Global Schools Network where they can connect with other institutions and access professional growth opportunities.
Established by Quakers in 1842, Pickering College has integrated sustainability and social justice into its curriculum for almost two centuries. With around 550 students from JK-12, it’s recognized as a contender in Sustainability for this year’s prize based on its solid accomplishments.
The school’s expansive Blue & Silver Farm spans 77 acres and was donated in 2021. Here, students engage in hands-on activities like building bat boxes equipped with temperature probes, conducting soil analyses with micro: bit sensors, creating solar-powered Wi-Fi systems, designing robotic harvesters and growing about 1,200 kg of food annually to support local food banks. Through their CAP framework (Connections, Academics, Purpose) and K-12 Global Leadership Program, all students take part in sustainability projects every year.
Pickering College proudly holds full membership in UNESCO’s Associated Schools Network and has maintained Ontario Eco Schools Platinum status for over ten years. It’s also won the Study Travel Secondary School Award five times within North America. Teacher Ethan Bishop earned a Class ACT Award in 2024 due to his reconciliation efforts while faculty members frequently present at international conferences and collaborate with Queen’s University.
If awarded prize funds would go towards removing invasive buckthorn plants and constructing a geodesic classroom with thermal heating to enhance outdoor learning throughout the year.
Sunny Varkey stated: “Congratulations to Pickering College! Your teaching approach effectively shows how schools can equip young people with vital knowledge and skills needed to navigate our fast-changing world. By showcasing your achievement here we hope to inspire global efforts to rethink education and turn innovative ideas into real change beyond just classrooms.”
Alison Bellwood from Project Everyone said: “World’s Largest Lesson is thrilled to support the Sustainability category of the Global Schools Prize. Congratulations to this year’s finalists – your dedication not only transforms communities but encourages schools everywhere to be bold thinkers while working towards a better future.”
Dr. Cinde Lock from Pickering College remarked:
“This recognition validates our long-held belief that when education is rooted in connection and purpose alongside real-world relevance students actively participate not just learn about what’s ahead but contribute toward it too! From practical work on our Blue & Silver Farm engaging learners through sustainability initiatives tied closely with community partnerships empowers them both locally as well globally – being acknowledged globally among peers advancing similar missions brings great honor alongside added responsibility.” Julia Hunt emphasized:
“What stands out most regarding this accolade is its reflection on an entire-school commitment towards innovation! Our learners don’t see sustainability merely conceptually-they employ systems thinking methods collaborating across disciplines while trialing solutions within actual contexts! It underscores how crucial it remains designing environments conducive enough so they feel empowered taking informed actions themselves contributing genuinely meaningful transformations!” The selection will further narrow down these Top 50 down into ten winners who each get $50k while one exceptional school ultimately receives both title along with $500k meant help scale impact further still! Categorizations include: AI Transformation Arts, Culture and Creativity Character Driven Education Global Citizenship Efforts Health Improvements Overcoming Challenges Inclusive Education STEM Learning Sustainability Focus Teacher Development Initiatives The winner will be revealed during May’s Education World Forum held London! A special council comprised distinguished individuals respected throughout educational technology philanthropy sectors guides direction thereby providing insights beneficial strategic planning aspects essential surrounding prizes efficacy co-chaired Stefania Giannini previous assistant director-general education UNESCO Dame Christine Ryan former chair Ofsted board comprising other influential figures including Rosalia Arteaga ex-president Ecuador Nuno Crato Portugal’s former minister Andreas Schleicher OECD director skills Dina Ghobashy Microsoft transformation director Lasse Leponiemi Hundr ED foundation co-founder Deborah Quazzo managing partner GSV Ventures among others too many mention here briefly. Additionally this council belongs larger academy dedicated selecting ultimate victor! The newest edition joins existing accolades already celebrating educators learners spotlighting innovative changes taking place regarding delivering best possible experiences preparing children confidently face futures ahead-while reshaping notions what effective teaching looks like moving forward generations still come. Interested parties could submit applications prior closing dates found via www. globalteacherprize. org/global-schools-prize. Notes editors follow: The Varkey Foundation champions vibrant stimulating settings awakening potential children believe empowering teachers instrumental achieving goals thus nurturing excellence next generation professionals educating globe shining light incredible feats accomplished daily inside classrooms worldwide here established GEMS Education alongside global teacher awards shining more attention necessary work doing all over planet continuously evolving educational landscapes we inhabit today! World’s Largest Lesson connects sustainable development objectives significant challenges facing youth provides free tools encouraging action make positive impacts-partnered directly supporting presented award categories focused improving environment conscious practices present-day society overall benefit humanity itself benefiting everyone involved collectively moving forward together successfully. Founded back early eighteen-hundreds Canadian institution exclusive created founded through Quaker traditions offering day boarding services encompassing varied grade levels between junior kindergarten up until high school graduation promoting values instilling moral responsibilities fostering compassionate proactive citizens prepared tackle issues later life journey expanding networks comprising esteemed alumni shaping fields academia law arts public service leadership entrepreneurship etc., remaining deeply committed preserving ideals passed onto new generations cultivating responsible informed stewards planet earth amongst respective communities wherever found operating harmoniously therein. SOURCE Pickering College For inquiries please reach Naomi Côté Senior Communications Manager [email protected].
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“This recognition validates our long-held belief that when education is rooted in connection and purpose alongside real-world relevance students actively participate not just learn about what’s ahead but contribute toward it too! From practical work on our Blue & Silver Farm engaging learners through sustainability initiatives tied closely with community partnerships empowers them both locally as well globally – being acknowledged globally among peers advancing similar missions brings great honor alongside added responsibility.” Julia Hunt emphasized:
“What stands out most regarding this accolade is its reflection on an entire-school commitment towards innovation! Our learners don’t see sustainability merely conceptually-they employ systems thinking methods collaborating across disciplines while trialing solutions within actual contexts! It underscores how crucial it remains designing environments conducive enough so they feel empowered taking informed actions themselves contributing genuinely meaningful transformations!” The selection will further narrow down these Top 50 down into ten winners who each get $50k while one exceptional school ultimately receives both title along with $500k meant help scale impact further still! Categorizations include: AI Transformation Arts, Culture and Creativity Character Driven Education Global Citizenship Efforts Health Improvements Overcoming Challenges Inclusive Education STEM Learning Sustainability Focus Teacher Development Initiatives The winner will be revealed during May’s Education World Forum held London! A special council comprised distinguished individuals respected throughout educational technology philanthropy sectors guides direction thereby providing insights beneficial strategic planning aspects essential surrounding prizes efficacy co-chaired Stefania Giannini previous assistant director-general education UNESCO Dame Christine Ryan former chair Ofsted board comprising other influential figures including Rosalia Arteaga ex-president Ecuador Nuno Crato Portugal’s former minister Andreas Schleicher OECD director skills Dina Ghobashy Microsoft transformation director Lasse Leponiemi Hundr ED foundation co-founder Deborah Quazzo managing partner GSV Ventures among others too many mention here briefly. Additionally this council belongs larger academy dedicated selecting ultimate victor! The newest edition joins existing accolades already celebrating educators learners spotlighting innovative changes taking place regarding delivering best possible experiences preparing children confidently face futures ahead-while reshaping notions what effective teaching looks like moving forward generations still come. Interested parties could submit applications prior closing dates found via www. globalteacherprize. org/global-schools-prize. Notes editors follow: The Varkey Foundation champions vibrant stimulating settings awakening potential children believe empowering teachers instrumental achieving goals thus nurturing excellence next generation professionals educating globe shining light incredible feats accomplished daily inside classrooms worldwide here established GEMS Education alongside global teacher awards shining more attention necessary work doing all over planet continuously evolving educational landscapes we inhabit today! World’s Largest Lesson connects sustainable development objectives significant challenges facing youth provides free tools encouraging action make positive impacts-partnered directly supporting presented award categories focused improving environment conscious practices present-day society overall benefit humanity itself benefiting everyone involved collectively moving forward together successfully. Founded back early eighteen-hundreds Canadian institution exclusive created founded through Quaker traditions offering day boarding services encompassing varied grade levels between junior kindergarten up until high school graduation promoting values instilling moral responsibilities fostering compassionate proactive citizens prepared tackle issues later life journey expanding networks comprising esteemed alumni shaping fields academia law arts public service leadership entrepreneurship etc., remaining deeply committed preserving ideals passed onto new generations cultivating responsible informed stewards planet earth amongst respective communities wherever found operating harmoniously therein. SOURCE Pickering College For inquiries please reach Naomi Côté Senior Communications Manager [email protected].
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