STAFF at high-performing schools have been given a cash bonus.

The Grove Junior School in Malvern received £4,610, Colwall Primary School £4,570 and St Peter's Primary in Bromyard £7,400.

The cash rewards staff at schools where pupil performance has improved substantially since 1999, where pupil performance in 2002 was better than most similar schools or where schools are no longer considered to be prone to failing their pupils.

Tony Vater, headteacher at The Grove, said: "We've never received anything like this before so we're really thrilled about it. It reflects the hard work of the staff to enable the children to achieve their best".

At St Peter's, headteacher Martin Holt said: "Our results have gone up every year recently. This is a celebration that the whole school staff structure is doing well".

Richard Southall, head at Col-wall Primary School, said exams should not be the only indicator of performance.