The seven successful bids are:

* East Ayrshire - pound;360,0000. This will help develop computer assisted learning materials and study approaches jointly with Spark of Genius, the body which currently runs five independent schools in the west of Scotland.

The project will also involve a supported study package and associated training.

* Glasgow - pound;496,007. An out-of-school support programme will include tutorial support, a flexible education support scheme and a training pack for parents and carers.

* Highland - pound;400,000. The project aims to provide an “at home” education link worker and will work with Highland Football Academy to create a structured environment. The intention is to work towards re-engagement with school and develop better attendance. An “educational achievement facilitator” will work with residential units and establish an out-of-school study programme, homework clubs and tutoring.

* Midlothian - pound;117,000. A partnership with Scottish Borders will involve the development of a distance learning and teaching tool, a pilot tutoring service and better learning opportunities in residential units.

* North Ayrshire - pound;251,000. Will focus on accommodated children with high exclusion rates and those who have difficulty engaging with education.

The aim is to provide home-link support, individual tutoring and behaviour support, and alternative curricular routes.

* South Lanarkshire - pound;454,486. Improved co-ordination among agencies is one of the authority’s aims, as well as strengthening the emphasis on personal and social development. Two home-school link workers and an educational psychological worker will be recruited, and two teaching staff seconded to the existing link team.

* Stirling - pound;171,600. Tailor-made educational interventions for young people of secondary school age (predominantly S3 and S4) who have disengaged from education. The project hopes to promote achievement and attainment at 16 and lay the foundation for further certification at 18.