STAFF at 23 schools across the district are celebrating this week after their efforts were rewarded with School Achievement Awards totalling more than £200,000.

The awards, worth around £5,000 for a typical primary school and £25,000 for an average secondary school, were revealed by School Standards Minister Estelle Morris.

Announcing the winners on March 15, Ms Morris said: "The purpose of these awards is to reward staff and to encourage schools to strive for further improvement. Schools succeed through a combination of good leadership, good teaching and team work by all staff."

Twelve local schools were recognised in the improvement category of the awards, meaning that pupils' performance in 2000 was substantially better than in 1997, or the school had come out of special measures.

St Bernadette JMI School in Walsingham Way, London Colney, was one of those recognised for having continually raised standards in recent years.

Staff at the school are set to receive a share of £5,500, a reward for their efforts in improving performances across the whole curriculum.

Headteacher Catherine Cox said: "We were very surprised to get the award but it's very nice to be able to say to staff that you've done a really good job. I know how hard the staff have worked but it's great to get some outside recognition."

Meanwhile 11 schools in the district went one step further and received excellence awards, a recognition that pupils' performance in 2000 was significantly better than other schools in similar circumstances.

Bernards Heath Infants School in Sandridge Road, St Albans, was one such school, and together with a certificate of excellence, staff will receive a share of more than £4,000.

Headteacher Kathy Scruton said: "The award is a tribute to all of the staff who work hard to ensure that each child fulfils his or her potential."