Emma Thompson and Michael Gove pay tribute to teachers at ceremony in London

A semi-professional dancer who recreates scenes from Avatar in her classroom, a former switchboard operator who took maths GCSE alongside her pupils and a veteran teacher loved by the “swots, the naughty kids, everyone” are among those honoured in the UK teaching awards tonight.

Eight inspirational individuals were named winners at a ceremony celebrating the “Oscars for teachers”, as well as four groups: a sustainable school, an outstanding staff team, a special needs intervention group and a crew of young filmmakers.

Primary schools topped the tables this year, taking five awards, including outstanding new teacher of the year, teacher of the year and headteacher of the year. The secondary sector got four gongs and special schools three.

Kelly Steeples, a Year 6 teacher at Southdale junior school in Ossett, near Wakefield, was named outstanding new teacher for her “charismatic and unique style of teaching”. She leads on science but uses her dance background to develop highly creative lessons that gave judges “goosebumps”.

The award for best teaching assistant went to Becky Newman, who works in the maths department at Tendring technology college in Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. As a student she got a D in maths GCSE but retook the exam at the same time as pupils to get an A*.

Peter Jones, who retired from Cefn Saeson comprehensive school in Neath, south Wales, this summer, was given the award for lifetime achievement after getting 52 nominations. Colleagues and pupils described him as a “legend” with a genius for innovative teaching, outstanding pastoral work and inventive drama.

Famous faces including Emma Thompson, the president of the Teaching Awards, the patron, Henry Winkler – aka the Fonz – and the education secretary, Michael Gove, were at the London event hosted by Lenny Henry.

Thompson said: “Without great teachers we are not going to have a great society.

“They are lifesavers, quite literally. Some kids have lives that are so challenging and difficult that one great teacher is the only link to a space that’s safe, where they can be safe to think their own thoughts and work things out.”

Lady Williams, the chair of the judging panel, said: “I have learned to respect teachers more than ever for their dedication, commitment and sheer generosity of spirit, sharing praise for their achievements with others in the team.”

Education news, comment and analysis | guardian.co.uk