Andria Zafirakou, who teaches art and textiles at Alperton Community School in Brent, has been honoured for her services to education and young people.

Mrs Zafirakou said the appointment was a “wonderful surprise”.

Andria Zafirakou has done so much at Alperton Community College. The school is in Brent, an inner city area of London. It’s one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse – and disadvantaged – places.

Andria Zafirakou was born, in London. Her mother,  Anna, is Cypriot and her father Greek  who is well known in the community Father Georgios Zafirakou, the priest of the Greek Orthodox church of All Saints in Camden, London. is Greek.

The winner of the Global Teacher Prize 2018 faced a daunting task when she joined the school. The challenges of poverty, gang violence and engaging young people from such a diverse range of backgrounds were all too clear. But throughout the school and on the streets she is driving change.