'Teachers have the power to release every child’s potential, whether they want to be an astronaut, doctor, musician or accountant.

Having been a music teacher myself, I understand the responsibility and enjoyment being a teacher brings. They deserve to be recognised and it’s fantastic that the Teaching Awards celebrates not just individual winners, but the profession as a whole’.

Myleene Klass

‘There are an enormous number of people out there who are all working incredibly hard, making a big difference. Without the Teaching Awards those people would never be recognised and their stories would remain untold. It’s a chance to celebrate all the good things that go on in schools and we should all join in whole heartedly!’

Jeremy Vine

‘Everyone can remember someone in their schooling who made a real difference. Teachers are at the heart of their schools and communities and are central in ensuring that young people achieve their potential. It is a vital career which deserves to be recognised at the very highest level.'

Ed Balls MP

‘I had two amazing teachers while I was at my secondary school The Belvedere School  in Liverpool, my French teacher Madame Midwood and my English teacher Miss Morgan. They were both inspirational and took time to make sure you understood things; they also had a lot of patience which I really appreciated. I got As in both at GCSE, so they must have been doing something right!

After Secondary school I moved onto Elliot Clarke Drama School in Liverpool which has now sadly closed, but I never forgot my teacher Miss Ashton. She encouraged me to go to the audition for Atomic Kitten. I hated auditions – I still do, but I have a lot to thank her for. Sadly I have lost contact with her now – it would be great to see her again!’

‘I do think teachers are a powerful force for good. Sometimes they spend more time with children than parents do, given the long hours people have to work. And when you think about that, the influence of teachers has even more potential. And children do take very seriously what they say. Congratulations to everyone.'

Zoe Salmon

'To support teachers who are mentors for lots of children, is an honour.’

Suzanne Shaw

‘I was a teacher myself for a year in France and it was the hardest job I have done. The amount of attention, focus and dedication you have to put in a classroom is extraordinary. Teachers deserve every award they can get in my book.’

Sophie Raworth

‘My family is full of teachers – both my parents and my sister teach – but I escaped. Like Dr Who, teachers are often oddly dressed. I’m very pleased to give this award to a teacher at the school my mum, dad and grandma went to.’

Russell T Davies

‘Actors get more awards than they deserve. We are lucky enough to do a job we love in a public way so we get public acclaim. But the nature of our job is miniscule in importance next to teaching. If there’s any hope for this country, it’s with you and how you educate the children. It is the most important job, bar none.’  

Jeremy Irons

‘I was absolutely rubbish at everything at school, apart from history. That’s the best thing about A Levels, you can do history, English, politics and bin everything else. I’m innumerate and can’t speak a word of French.’

Dan Snow

‘One great advantage of doing a year’s teacher training was that I got to see the hard work and dedication. So, if you get the chance to sideline into show-business you should do it.

You guys know better than anyone about performance and belief in performance

Anyone can tell you that one crucial teacher can shift you sideways.’

Bill Paterson

‘At school, I was good at some things and exceptionally mediocre at other things, but generally I was happy at school. My parents said, these will be the happiest days of your life and looking back, they were fantastic.'

Adrian Chiles

“One teacher who stands out was my PE teacher. I was always good at sport but he gave me the belief that it was OK to express myself. Sometimes when you’re talented and you could win everything at school you go into a shell because it doesn’t always make you popular. He gave me the belief that it was OK to go out there and achieve my dreams. From the age of 12 I wanted to go the Olympic Games so to go and win a gold medal ( Athens 2004, 4x100m relay) was a dream come true.”

Darren Campbell

"I’ve always had absolute admiration for teachers. They’re the unsung profession. In the past teachers and doctors and the priest were the most important people in society and so they should be. Being taught and learning is how you develop. “I had a wonderful drama teacher – Jackie Stoker, who discovered what I could do and made me work hard. That pays fantastic dividends. She absolutely insisted that I auditioned for drama school and that I would get in. She wouldn’t take no for an answer and I am eternally grateful for that. It’s quite right to have these awards and long may they continue.”

Imelda Staunton

"I was massively influenced by my teachers at school. At junior school I remember I had an altercation with someone and the deputy head handled it in a fair and balanced way. It could have been different and I remember him for that.

I have three cousins who are teachers and I know how hard they work and I have two daughters now at school. We expect such a lot from our teachers and I’m happy to say that all those I’ve met are good.”

Mark Ramprakash

"My favourite teacher was Mr Brooks - first name Jim, who taught science at my secondary school. He made his lessons fun by utilizing humour - he would  draw cartoons on the blackboard and controlled the classroom in a very powerful way, almost jedi way  - we were mesmerised.

When I had to play Ian George , the Uber-head teacher in Lucy Gannon's Hope and Glory on BBC 1- I went to a school in South London to do some background research.  When I saw the work load the head teacher had to get through every day - his in tray scraped the ceiling! I was just full of respect.

I also think Beacon Teachers who turn  failing schools around should especially  be valued and celebrated, just as those who go that extra mile to engage kids with sensitivity and creativity.  Young people need that lightbulb moment in their lives in order to push through and gain some self esteem - and any teacher that can engender this process is incredibly valuable. And worth their weight in Cornetto's - Big up yourself Teachers!!!!"

Lenny Henry

“I honestly don’t think it’s ever been harder for teachers than it is now –.  I think the Teaching Awards is a great way to say thank you. 

I used to go to a prep school in South Wales and had a lovely leather satchel – now I find the smell of leather very nostalgic and it takes me straight back to my school days.

Roger Burnel was undoubtedly my favourite teacher, he was an acclaimed drama teacher and brought me out of my shell.  He treated his pupils as though they were equals and always showed us respect.”

Rob Brydon

“Having set up my own successful make-up school, teaching is something I feel exceptionally passionate about.  I always keep in contact with my students and love creating a special bond with them and watching them grow.  Teachers are a wonderful breed and certainly aren’t recognised enough – let’s give something back and say thank-you.

Mrs Marani was my favourite teacher because she was like my grandma – she taught me everything, was so kind, everyone adored her and it was great when she became headmistress.”

Jemma kidd

“Knowledge is irresistible. Anything is potentially interesting, but it depends entirely on who's talking about it. That's why teachers themselves are so important.The outstanding teacher that I remember is my old English teacher David Hilliam. He was passionate about apostrophes. He really was. He was the master of his subject and he engaged and encouraged us with it.”

Alex James

“I wasn’t exactly a model student, and to be honest I must have been a bit of a nightmare at times, but if it wasn’t for my teachers having faith and steering me in the right direction, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. So thank you!”

Jamie Winstone

“Like most people I was a bit naughty at school, not always paying attention and letting my mind wander but I realise now, particularly having my own kids, just how important that time in my life was. My favourite teacher was a lady called Mrs Dale, and she my Art History teacher.

I can’t say this was my favourite subject but somehow she somehow managed to bring it to life and had us all enthralled. Teachers are so important because they shape who we become later on in life – they are an inspiration to everyone and I feel proud to be supporting them.”

Claudia Winkleman

"When I was at school I had this amazing teacher who taught me English language. Above all he taught me the imaginative use adjectives. I think it's down to him I ended up going in to journalism.  Then after I left school at 18 I actually went out to Uganda for a year to teach and I absolutely loved it, it really opened my eyes to the vital place of teachers in all societies, wherever you are in the world. Over the years I stayed in touch with that English teacher until he died. A number of my friends went on to become teachers and they are constantly opening my eyes to what rewarding and special job it is. Teaching is a skill and those who dedicate their lives to it deserve to be rewarded and held in the highest regard by everyone, so I am proud to lend my support to such a deserving charity."

Jon Snow

“I consider the teaching profession to be immensely underrated and needs the recognition it deserves.  I wish the profession could break free from all of these Government targets and teachers could just get on with what they do best – teaching.  I feel so strongly about the profession as it runs through my family and ask anyone about their favourite teacher and they’ll always be able to remember one.  Mine was undoubtedly Mr Bennette, a primary school teacher who taught a bit of everything from English to football.”

Philip Glenister

“My favourite teacher was Miss Bowron, she taught me for six years and I loved and trusted her. She was very straightforward and quite firm. She didnt say much but I knew she believed in me and that gave me alot of  confidence.

Everyone remembers a good teacher – they’re someone who believes in you and can change your life.”

Bella Freud