The Teaching Awards Trust - a charity representing all six teaching unions set up to run the awards - said that when the original deadline passed before Christmas, schools were still asking for nomination forms.

Others were taking the task of nominating teachers much more seriously than expected. Some have been organising ballots of parents and pupils.

Lord Puttnam, who chairs the Trust, said: "We were concerned that the original deadline was unrealistic.

"The aim of the Teaching Awards has always been to establish an accessible, relevant and fully representative initiative. We don't want any school to be excluded simply on the grounds that they are unable to meet the deadline."

Use of technology

The awards are the widest teacher recognition scheme in England. There will be 600 regional finalists - 60 in each of 10 regions - and 150 regional winners, each of whom will receive cash for their school.

Governors and parents at all English schools can nominate staff for 15 categories, including primary and secondary teacher of the year, best new teacher, most creative use of information and communications technology, best classroom assistant, working with parents and the community, and lifetime achievement.