Schools that were rated as “requires improvement” in their last two Ofsted inspections will have access to up to £16,000, the Government has announced.

The Department for Education (DfE) said under-performing schools will receive extra support to help raise classroom standards.

It comes after Education Secretary Damian Hinds said he wanted to simplify the school accountability system and give teachers the freedom to get on with their jobs without interference.

In an announcement on Friday the DfE said struggling schools would also receive support from a high-performing school leader.

It added that floor and coasting standards are to be used to identify schools that need help, rather than as triggers for intervention.

Regional Schools Commissioners will no longer issue warning notices to schools on educational grounds unless they have been rated inadequate by Ofsted.

The changes come ahead of a formal consultation next year looking at whether the floor and coasting standards used to judge school performance should be replaced by a single measure.

Minister for the School System Lord Agnew said: “Today’s changes will simplify the school accountability system so teachers and school leaders know where they stand and simplify a system that we know can be a concern amongst the profession.

“Where a school is struggling, we will aim to take swift action, providing practical hands-on support and, where necessary, more formal steps.

“The support that we are offering will be focused around delivering support that can be embedded into a school’s teaching programme for the long term.”