JA Europe is proud to announce the 10 winners of The Entrepreneurial School Awards (TES Awards) 2026. These outstanding schools are being recognised for their remarkable commitment to entrepreneurship education at primary, secondary, and vocational levels, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders across Europe. The awards are supported by FedEx, a long-time partner of JA Europe.
“The Entrepreneurial School Awards shine a spotlight on the schools that are shaping the future of Europe. This year’s 10 winners—spanning vocational colleges, inclusive schools, and innovation-driven institutions across 10 countries—demonstrate a powerful commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and skills in students, preparing them for a world of opportunity and change. By recognising these outstanding schools, we celebrate the educators who are transforming lives every day. The TES Awards highlight the importance of entrepreneurial education in empowering young people to become the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to #Gen_E 2026 in Riga, Latvia, to celebrate their impact on a European stage” stated Salvatore Nigro, CEO, JA Europe.
The TES Award criteria recognise excellence in entrepreneurship education, focusing on the active participation of both teachers and students, the allocation of dedicated resources, meaningful community engagement, ongoing professional development, and the integration of a European perspective. By meeting these standards, the winning schools inspire young people to think creatively, take initiative, and realise their potential as the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.
The 2026 TES Award Winners
1. St. Aloysius College – JA Malta
The College is guided by a strong strategic vision rooted in its mission to form “men and women for others, with others.” Within this ethos, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is seen as essential in preparing students for meaningful employment and dignified work that contributes to society. Entrepreneurship education is therefore fully aligned with the College’s holistic educational approach, equipping learners with the competencies needed for future academic, professional, and societal success.
2. Khmelnytskyi Polytechnic Professional College – JA Ukraine
Khmelnytskyi Polytechnic Professional College is one of Ukraine’s leading institutions of professional pre-higher education. With more than 60 years of educational excellence, the college combines strong engineering traditions with a modern focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Students gain practical experience by creating mini-companies, developing socially oriented products, and participating in international hackathons, innovation camps, and financial literacy initiatives.
3. EFA Valdemilanos – JA Spain
EFA Valdemilanos (CIFASA) is a vocational training centre with a Christian ethos that offers comprehensive and personalised training. Its work-based learning approach brings together the family, the school and the professional sector, placing the student at the centre of their own learning. Through its innovAPE ecosystem, including a Professional Entrepreneurship Classroom and a Business Incubator, the centre stimulates creativity, collaborative work and sustainable self-employment.
4. Escola Profissional de Aveiro – JA Portugal
The Escola Profissional de Comércio de Aveiro (EPCA) began its activity in the 1992/1993 academic year with two classes, 50 students, and one course. Thirty-five years later, it is now the only generalist vocational school serving the Aveiro region. EPCA offers Education and Training Courses as well as Professional Courses and stands out as one of the largest vocational schools in Portugal, with 800 students, recognised for its swift adaptation to the technological dynamics of today’s educational environment.
5. Vilnius Simonas Stanevičius Progymnasium – JA Lithuania
Vilnius Simonas Stanevičius Progymnasium is one of Lithuania’s leading entrepreneurial schools, transforming education through innovation, creativity, inclusion, and community leadership. Established in 1989 in the Fabijoniškės district of Vilnius, the school has created a dynamic learning ecosystem where every student is empowered to become a creator, problem-solver, and changemaker. Through student companies, FabLab spaces, and strong partnerships, it fosters creativity, responsibility, leadership, and equal opportunities for every learner.
6. Viljandi Kutseõppekeskus – Viljandi Vocational Training Centre – JA Estonia
Viljandi Vocational Training Centre was formed in 1999 through the merger of three local vocational schools, though its roots date back to 1920. Today, it is the largest educational institution in Viljandi County with 817 students. At VIKK, there is a strong belief that professional skills must be coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring graduates are not just technicians, but proactive life designers ready for the modern labour market.
7. ISIS John Maynard Keynes – JA Italy
Our Technical Institute stands out for its strongly innovation-driven approach to education, its emphasis on hands-on project development, and its constant connection with both the professional world and higher education institutions. Students are actively involved in interdisciplinary learning pathways thatnintegrate Economics, Information Technology, and Automation Engineering, transforming theoretical knowledge into real-world experiences in business development, software engineering, automation, and entrepreneurship.
8. Schulzentrum HTL HAK Ungargasse – JA Austria
Schulzentrum Ungargasse is a pioneering educational hub in Vienna that uniquely bridges technology, business, and social inclusion. Combining two Higher Technical Colleges and a Business Academy, the school fosters a multidisciplinary environment where 1,200 students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Its “Reverse Integration” model, internationally recognised for inclusive vocational education, strengthens social entrepreneurship and empathy alongside technical and economic learning.
9. Niels Brock – JA Denmark
Niels Brock is the oldest business college in Denmark, founded in 1881 and the developer of the Higher Commercial Examination. Today it is one of Denmark’s most established business-focused educational institutions, with entrepreneurship as a core pillar of its ambition. Innovation is one of the school’s defining values, backed by a dedicated entrepreneurship academy and programmes focused on innovation, impact and project management.
10. Secondary School Žitorađa – JA Serbia
Secondary School Žitorađa is located in southeastern Serbia and is the only vocational secondary school in the municipality. Founded in 1978, the school serves around 230 students and offers modern learning conditions, including a 30-hectare school farm, a laboratory, and a Makers Lab supporting entrepreneurship and STEM activities. Despite its size, the school achieves notable competition results and has fostered a strong culture of innovation and practical learning.
We are proud to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of these schools and their inspiring efforts to advance entrepreneurship education. Through their dedication and creativity, educators and students alike are fostering the skills and mindset needed for future success. Our heartfelt thanks go to FedEx for championing this year’s Entrepreneurial School Awards and supporting young innovators across Europe.
Don’t miss your chance to applaud the winners at Gen-E 2026 in Riga, Latvia, the flagship celebration of youth entrepreneurship, taking place under #Gen_E. Learn more and join the celebration at gen-e.eu!
