Nearly 1,000 Bradford teachers, who were in the “vanguard scheme” to test the pay structure received the cash in their January pay packets.

Meanwhile, 37 successful teachers at Mill Hill county high in Barnet, north London, also received their money after the head took pound;30,000 out of the school budget rather than wait for funds from the council.

Head Alan Davison said: “The staff were all assessed last July and it seemed ridiculous that they had not yet received the backdated payment.

“I wanted my staff to receive their money sooner rather than later.”

Language tacher Colin Benjamin, one of the 37 to receive the payment, said: “Getting the money was a nice surprise. It certainly made a difference to my pay packet.”

This term more and more teachers are discovering whether they have met the required standard as assessors continue with their school visits.

All 52 teachers who were eligible to apply crossed the threshold at The Billericay school in Essex and can expect to receive their payments in March.

Head Sue Hammond said: “This demonstrates the hard work and commitment of the staff. They are wonderful. They really care about the success of our pupils and they have demonstrated this above and beyond the call of duty.”