The government has announced that it is to invest millions of pounds to help make England a "global leader" in teaching "character".

Under these plans, teachers will help instill "resilience and grit" in the nation's pupils, education secretary Nick Morgan said.

Schools that are already deliver programmes that complement this new drive will be first to receive funding from a £3.5 million pot earmarked specifically for "character education".

New projects will also be encouraged, to get more schools onboard. It is the government's intention to make this scheme a key agenda item, to put it "on par with academic learning".

It went so far as to describe it as a "milestone in preparing young people more than ever before for life in modern Britain".

All schools will be supported to help "develop the virtues in pupils that are vital to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations".

Ms Morgan explained that it is just as important for the future successes of pupils to possess the abilities and confidence needed to deal with setbacks, assuredly debate ideas and contribute to the wider community, as it is to get good grades.

"Today’s announcement of a £3.5 million grant scheme for character education projects is a milestone in preparing young people more than ever before for life in modern Britain," she continued.

"It will provide a boost to those already doing great work, while also helping excellent projects get off the ground. Excellent teachers already produce well-rounded pupils, and today’s news will give more schools the support, inspiration and resources to go even further."

Ms Morgan added that this development, which is a "landmark step", will help make England an international leader in the promotion of character education.

An example of this initiative as it is currently understood can be observed in the efforts made by London's King Solomon Academy.

Inspired by KIPP (Knowledge is Power Programme), this school is committed to nurturing qualities such as dedication, effort and spirit in its pupils.

For example, it offers rewards to students that demonstrate positive character attributes.

Another school that is investing in character-building initiatives is School 21, which is based in Stratford, east London.

This establishment focuses on "growth" of the whole child – this, it explains, is at the centre of its education system.

It has been lauded for its "rich wellbeing curriculum" – focused around the importance of self-control, humour and charity – which has proved to be very effective.

"From early next year, projects can apply to the fund to expand their existing efforts or to set up new initiatives," the Department for Education stated.

"All approaches of character education will be considered, including those based both in and out of school, but applicants must display evidence that their activities result in better grades, improved behaviour or improved job prospects."

In support of this endeavour, the government has announced that a further £1 million is to go towards researching the best and most effective ways of teaching character. The Education Endowment Foundation is to match the funding.