We are proud to announce that Darüşşafaka has been selected as one of the Top 10 finalist schools in the Overcoming Adversity category of the World’s Best School Prizes 2026, organized by T4 Education, an international platform dedicated to showcasing innovative and impactful educational practices worldwide.
As one of Türkiye’s most established educational institutions, Darüşşafaka has achieved a historic milestone by being recognized among the world’s leading schools in an award program that celebrates educational excellence, social impact, and innovation on a global scale.
As Darüşşafaka, we have been changing the life of children with our “Equal Opportunity in Education” mission of for 163 years. Standing out among schools from around the world, we have earned a place among the Top 10 finalists in the Overcoming Adversity category.
As an institution that provides fully funded, boarding, high-quality education to academically talented students who have lost their father and/or mother and are financially disadvantaged, this international recognition demonstrates that our efforts to advance educational equity are appreciated and valued globally.
Started in 2022 by the UK-based T4 Education, the World’s Best School Prizes aim to identify and share the most impactful educational practices that transform lives both inside and beyond the classroom. Today, the awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in global education. In evaluating schools, the program considers not only academic achievement, but also social impact and commitment to inclusion. Through this recognition, Darüşşafaka proudly represents Türkiye as a pioneer of social transformation through education.
“The Overcoming Adversity Category Reflects Our Historic Mission”
Expressing pride in representing Türkiye among thousands of schools worldwide, Darüşşafaka Educational Institutions General Manager Ebru Arpacı said:
“Since our founding, Darüşşafaka has worked tirelessly to help every student reach their full potential and to provide an education that meets global standards. At the same time, Darüşşafaka is much more than a school composed of classrooms and lessons; for 163 years, it has been a caring home where we touch each child’s life with compassion, support, and dedication, offering them a secure future.
The ‘Overcoming Adversity’ category, in which we have reached the finals, aligns perfectly with our institution’s longstanding mission: confronting every challenge and disadvantage through the power of education. As we help our students overcome obstacles through care, belief, and opportunity, being recognized among the world’s top 10 schools and representing Türkiye in the finals is an indescribable honor. This achievement strengthens our belief that every child, when given the right opportunities, can change the world.”
The World’s Best Schools Will Be Chosen Through Public Voting
Following this significant achievement of becoming one of the Top 10 finalists, we will continue competing for the first place in our category. In this international competition, which highlights some of the most inspiring school stories from around the world, the winning schools will be determined through a combination of public voting and expert jury evaluation.
We invite everyone in Türkiye and beyond to support us by casting their vote during this historic journey.
Click here to vote.
(Please remember to confirm your vote using the link sent to your email address.)