The money will be spent on projects including the installation of closed circuit television systems, providing staff with two-way radios and introducing keypad entry systems.

A key recommendation of the Working Group on School Security, set up following the fatal stabbing of London headteacher Philip Lawrence, was the payment of specific grants for the improvement of security in schools.

The School Standards Minister, Estelle Morris, has set out how the new money will be distributed by local education authorities, following risk assessments on school buildings.

'Unwelcome intruders'

"Local education authorities will distribute these funds to schools ensuring that it is targeted where it is most needed," she said.

"Safety in schools must be an important concern for heads, teachers and parents.

"This money will enable an extra 14,000 schools to improve the safety of their environment for pupils, enabling them to keep out unwelcome intruders while continuing to be an important part of their local communities."