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Nine schools in the area are to take part in the government's Excellence in Cities programme set up to make secondary schools in inner-city areas more successful.

Initially the programme involved six cities including Manchester and Salford and aimed to help gifted pupils excel, give 'borderline' pupils a boost and draw back those who have abandoned educational hopes.

All 23 Manchester high schools are part of the initiative which has been funded to the tune of ?15m for three years up to August 2002.

There are three city learning centres including Abraham Moss High School in Crumpsall and a fourth being planned at St Matthew's High School in Moston.

Schools involved in the programme have already reported successes including improved attendance, fewer exclusions, higher attainment and more involvement in after-school activities.

Budget restrictions have meant only a third of primary schools can be involved in the initiative but this will include Bowker Vale, St Anne's RC, and Cheetwood in Crumpsall.

Cheetham schools St Chad's RC and Temple Primary will also be included as will St Patrick's, Pike Fold and St Malachy's RC.

Most schools will have learning mentors, including role models and volunteers from the community, to help pupils with low esteem and low expectations raise their horizons. Some schools will also operate programmes for gifted and talented pupils.

Education director David Johnston said: "All of the schools including the primary special schools are enthusiastic and determined to raise standards through Excellence in Cities.

"Significant targets have been set for all schools and given the considerable investment from central government, it is essential they are met."