The government is to introduce a number of measures designed to assist schools "instill characters in pupils".

Announcing the news, education secretary Nicky Morgan said this would include earmarking extra funding for schemes like those run by former armed service personnel.

This, she said, will go a long way in "turning around the lives of disadvantaged children".

A total of eight projects have been selected and will benefit from a £5 million funding boost. These initiatives are said to "use the value and expertise of the armed services" to help raise standards of education in pupils.

The Department for Education said that schools that develop character in their students, as well as "resilience and grit", will be recognised in soon to be developed character awards.

"Delivering the best schools and skills is a key part of our long-term economic plan that is turning Britain around," Ms Morgan said.

"As well as high academic standards, this means providing opportunities for all young people to develop the character and resilience they need to succeed in modern Britain.

"For pupils who may have faced challenges or difficulties in their personal life, these initiatives run by former armed services personnel can offer a sense of greater aspiration and can help build the skills and confidence they need to go on to good jobs and successful futures."

News of this comes on the back of a new report, entitled Review of military ethos alternative provision projects, which outlined how transformative these schemes have been.

It noted, for example, that students who have participated have demonstrated better behaviour, improved attendance records and a positive attitude to study.

In 2013, 52,000 youngsters across 460 schools – from primary through to further education colleges – took part in these projects.

On being awarded £1 million in funding, Simon Dean, founder and chief executive of Challenger Troop CIC said he was delighted to have received this recognition.

"We see first-hand the often life-changing impact our programmes have on a young person, as they learn how to take responsibility for their actions, communicate better with their peers and engage more effectively with their education," he added.