STAFF at 30 schools across St Helens are in line for pay bonuses -- thanks to their efforts in and out of the classroom.

The annual bonuses will be awarded to staff at schools that substantially improved their results or achieved good results in a particular year compared to other schools in similar circumstances.

The newly-developed School Achievement Awards have been introduced by the Department for Education and Employment as part of its drive to improve standards in schools.

Their purpose is to celebrate success and provide an opportunity to reward whole staff teams, support staff as well as teachers, for their contribution. Primary, high schools and special schools are among those in St Helens who will receive School Achievement Awards which are fully funded by the DFEE.

Schools involved are: Allanson Street Primary, Parr; Birchley St Mary's, Billinge; Blackbrook St Mary's Catholic Primary; Cowley High; Eaves Primary, Marshalls Cross; Eccleston Lane Ends, Eccleston Mere; Hamblett; Holy Cross; Hurst; Mill Green, Newton-le-Willows; Newton Nursery School; Newton County Primary; Rectory CE Primary, Garswood; Rivington Primary; St Aidan's CE Billinge; St Ann's CE, Rainhill; St Augustine of Canterbury; St Bartholomew's, Rainhill; St John Vianney; St Julie's Catholic; St Mary''s Catholic Infants; SS Peter and Paul; St Theresa's Catholic Primary; Sutton Manor; Sutton Oak CE; The District CE, Newton-le-Willows; Wargrave CE, Newton-le-Willows; and Willow Tree Primary.