Berlin/Stuttgart, March 31, 2026 – They are not waiting for better conditions; they are creating them themselves: Across Germany, schools are developing innovative answers to the major challenges of everyday school life through creativity and teamwork. Their success is not based on exceptional resources, but on how intelligently they use the opportunities available to them. Twenty of these schools have now been shortlisted for the German School Award 2026. A jury of around 50 experts from educational research, school practice, and public administration selected them from 87 applications submitted from across Germany and from the network of German international schools. This year, the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH and the Heidehof Stiftung GmbH will present the German School Award for the twentieth time, honoring the best schools in Germany. Media partners for the award are ARD and ZEIT Publishing Group.
Jury Visits Schools Across Germany
In the coming weeks, jury teams will visit all 20 schools to gain a comprehensive on‑site impression. The experts will hold discussions with teachers, students, parents, and external partners, observe lessons, and experience school projects firsthand. Based on these visits, the jury will nominate up to 15 schools for the final round in mid‑June.
Award Ceremony with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz
The nominated schools will take part in the formal award ceremony with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on September 29, 2026, in Berlin. The main prize is endowed with €100,000, while five additional awards carry €30,000 each. All remaining nominated schools will receive a recognition award of €5,000.
German School Award 2026: The TOP 20 Schools
An Award with Wide‑Ranging Impact
The German School Award is regarded as the most demanding distinction for high‑quality schools in Germany. The jury assesses schools across six areas of quality: Quality of Teaching, Student Achievement, Dealing with Diversity, Responsibility, School Climate, School Life, and External Partners, and Learning Organization. These criteria are now widely recognized as key indicators of good school quality.
Since 2006, more than 2,800 schools have applied for the award. Its impact extends far beyond the winning schools: Award‑winning concepts are made accessible nationwide through the German School Portal, professional development programs, and publications. Applicant schools can work intensively on the development of their teaching for 15 months within the German School Award Forum. In addition, the school visitation program enables teachers across Germany to gain insights into the work of award‑winning schools—creating a virtuous cycle in which effective educational practice is strengthened and shared.
Since 2006, more than 2,800 schools have applied for the award. Its impact extends far beyond the winning schools: Award‑winning concepts are made accessible nationwide through the German School Portal, professional development programs, and publications. Applicant schools can work intensively on the development of their teaching for 15 months within the German School Award Forum. In addition, the school visitation program enables teachers across Germany to gain insights into the work of award‑winning schools—creating a virtuous cycle in which effective educational practice is strengthened and shared.
German School Award
Find out more about the competition, our understanding of quality, and the winners from previous years.
