Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Times Educational Supplement (TES) awards at the Hilton hotel in park Lane, London. It was hosted with great panache, wit and style by Rory Bremner, who produced material that was not only extremely funny, but peppered with brilliant impersonations, political comment and satire. It was indeed a tremendously lavish and joyous occasion as many teachers, headteachers and educationalists were honoured.

Two awards, in particular, were especially moving and satisfying. The first being for lifelong achievement, which went to Maureen Eastwood of Ysol Gwaenynog, Denbighshire for her exceptional work in the classroom for well over half a century! Her acceptance speech was dignified, honest and down to earth, focusing on her assessment of her own achievements and to honour the teams of people with whom she has worked with over the years.

The second award of great note went to The New School at West Heath, Sevenoaks, and the support they provide to children who are severely traumatised, neglected and abused - including child victims of rape.

I found it hard to stay dry-eyed and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole occasion, which once again gave me an opportunity to marvel at what teachers all over the country do, day in, day out, shaping the future of our children and society.

That said, during the afternoon some colleagues debated the wisdom of these events - exploring the view that they are divisive and unwanted by teachers, who would much prefer greater respect being shown for their profession as a whole, as well as some recognition from the politicians and national press for the work they do, rather than plaudits from an industry newspaper that many only need to find their next job.

It is certainly an interesting view and, taken on the back of current unrest about teacher pensions and after wave upon wave of negative press headlines, it is a point well made. Yet, for all of that I can't help but feel there is still something special about being recognised by one's own press and by a distinguished panel of experts from across education, which includes academics, unionists, sports and arts practitioners, and other educationalists. I believe that there is still a place for the TES awards, as well as local ones held in various parts of the country to highlight what schools are doing.

It was also a joy to see Gerard Kelly, the editor of TES and his staff, taking such delight in celebrating the work of those working at the coalface!

For more information on the nominees and the winners, go to the TES website here.