Prime minister Theresa May has congratulated British teacher Andria Zafirakou after she won the million-dollar Global Teacher Prize.

Ms May said: “Being a great teacher requires resilience, ingenuity, and a generous heart. These are the qualities that you share with your students everyday. So thank you for all you have done and continue to do.”

Education secretary Damian Hinds also offered his congratulations to the art and textiles teacher from Alperton Community School in Brent, north-west London.

He said: “Andria’s story of selflessness and dedication is truly inspiring, and I am thrilled that she has received international recognition for her fantastic achievements.

“Great education is all about great people and Andria embodies the huge difference teachers can make to children’s lives.”

Ms Zafirakou from London lifts the Global Teacher Prize after beating 30,000 other entries from 173 countries

She was named as the winner at the end of the Global Education and Skills Conference in Dubai, where she was presented with her prize by Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah.

Ms Zafirakou used her victory speech to call for more importance to be placed on the importance of the arts, and described the students she works with as “phenomenal”.

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