GOOD teachers could be offered £10,000 in extra pay to entice them to work in Nova Hreod School.

The cash incentive from the Government aims to boost achievement in poor performing schools.

From September Nova Hreod may have the chance to attract the best teachers in the country through the scheme, as it is on the Government’s National Challenge hit list.

About 500 schools and 6,000 teachers in England are expected to benefit from the move, and costs will be divided between schools and Whitehall budgets.

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove said: “The new measure will allow headteachers to get the best teachers in the schools where they are needed the most and keep them there.

“Offering golden handcuff payments of £10,000 for three years of service will benefit schools across Swindon.”

The idea has been outlined in a social mobility white paper from the Government.

Research has shown that children in Britain are less likely than those in other developed countries to move up the social ladder and get better jobs than their parents.

Ministers believe improving results among children with deprived backgrounds will help lead to a fairer society.

The average teacher’s salary, including performance-related pay, is more than £34,000.

But Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, dismisses the move as bribery of teachers.

“At the end of the day they are attempting to bribe teachers,” Coun Perkins said. “I thought teaching was always about being a vocational job. This would not be necessary if we had an education system that was fit for purpose.

“Rather than pay teachers more, the Government should allow teachers the freedom to educate children.”

He believes a soft approach to education is driving standards down.

“In developing countries, if you are not educated you starve so education means far much more,” he said.

“Failure seems to be rewarded by this government.”

But North Swindon MP Michael Wills is urging qualifying schools to apply. He said: “I very much welcome this investment in education.

“I hope that every school in Swindon which is eligible will apply for it.”

Nova Hreod School said headteacher Julie Tridgell was unavailable for comment.

l See tomorrow’s Adver for the latest school league tables