TWO Brent schools were celebrating yesterday as an international list of the top 50 teachers in the world, featured two teachers from schools in the borough.

Eartha Pond from the Crest Academy in Neasden and Andria Zafirakou from Alperton Community School joined 48 teachers from around the world to make the Top 50 list in the Varkey Foundation’s Global Teacher Prize competition – with both Brent teachers recognised for their work in helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed against the odds.

The news comes a year after Colin Hegarty, from Preston Manor School in Wembley made the top 10 shortlist for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize in 2016, narrowly missing out on winning the Global Teacher Prize overall and the US $1 million cheque which is awarded by the foundation each year to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:

“To have one teacher in the world’s top 50 best is a remarkable achievement, but to have two is quite simply outstanding and demonstrates the dedication that teachers in the borough demonstrate to their pupils in helping them to succeed.

“The nominations demonstrate that we have some of the best teachers in the world teaching our children.

“Huge congratulations to both Eartha and Andria. I very much hope they can progress further in the competition and continue to get the recognition that they very much deserve.”