The Global Teacher Prize was launched in 2015 by education charity the Varkey Foundation, and aims to boost the status of the teaching profession. The Oscars-style awards ceremony in Dubai was attended by Olympic athlete Mo Farah, former US vice-president Al Gore and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and members of the current government also sent messages of congratulations to Zafirakou.

In a video message, Prime Minister Theresa May commended the teacher and said that great teachers needed “resilience, ingenuity and a generous heart”.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds also sent a message to say her “story of selflessness and dedication is truly inspiring”.

Zafirakou will be required to stay working as a classroom teacher for at least five years as part of the conditions of her award, and will receive the $1m prize money in instalments.

Asked after the awards ceremony what she will do with the money, she said:

Asked what she will do with the prize money, she told The Guardian: “I’m going to be patient, I’m going to reflect, but as you know I think it would be really fantastic if I could think about how the arts could be celebrated even further within our school community.”

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London teacher wins $1m prize for being named ‘world’s best teacher’