MORE than £100,000 has been handed to staff at 19 schools across the district as a reward for high or improved test results.

Anybody who works at one of the schools is eligible to pocket some of the award money, which ranges from £1,850 to £18,870 per school.

Announcing the news, Schools Minister David Milliband said the cash could be given to staff ranging from dinner ladies to headteachers.

"Everyone has a part to play in raising standards," he said.

Two district schools were recognised for getting out of special measures.

Both Sion Hill Middle and Foley Park First left special measures - where schools are told to shape up by Ofsted inspectors - during the 2001-2002 academic year.

Headteacher at Foley Park Carol Hine said: "We will reward all the staff who have been involved in raising standards."

Sion Hill head Gordon Wainwright said: "After two difficult years the school is now receiving the recognition it fully deserves."

The majority of the remaining 17schools were rewarded for raising the standard of results since 1999.

Among the winners was Wolverley High which has seen the number of students gaining five GCSEs at grades A* to C increase by more than 10 per cent.

Headteacher Kevin O'Regan said: "This demonstrates that our determination to raise standards will bring recognition for the hard work done by students and staff."

It was third time lucky for Abberley Primary School which received £2,180 in acknowledgement of improved test results.

Headteacher Jenny Taylor said: "We're thrilled to be a three times winner and we feel that everyone who works at the school plays a part in our success."

Other schools got a thumbs-up for producing results which were "better than most schools in similar circumstances."

Among these were Birchen Coppice First and Lea Street First, the latter being awarded £3,400.

Headteacher Max Davies said: "This puts us in the top quarter of all schools nationally. We have won the award the previous two years for improved results and to be recognised in this way is superb.

"The staff are thrilled to have received this award."

Where the money went

SCHOOLS receiving cash were: Wribbenhall First, Bewdley, £4,320; Birchen Coppice First, Kidderminster, £5,740; Comberton First, Kidderminster, £4,410; Foley Park First and Nursery Unit £3,830; Lea Street First, Kidderminster, £3,400; Spennells First, Kidderminster, £5,260; Abberley Parochial VC Primary, £2,180; Bayton C of E Primary, £1,850.

Far Forest Lea Memorial C of E, £2,330; St John's C of E First, Kidderminster, £6,490; St John's C of E Middle, Kidderminster, £10,210.

Cutnall Green C of E First, £2,230; Great Witley C of E Primary, £3.050; Wolverley High, £18,870; Sion Hill Middle, Kidderminster, £9,880; Sladen C of E Middle, Kidderminster, £9,490.

Stourminster Special School, Kidderminster, £8,860.

Cleobury Mortimer Primary, £4,200; Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, £14,770.