The University of Sussex will take part in a new scheme to boost the number of children from less well-off backgrounds going into higher education.

Managers will be given £60,000 to pay for three or more teachers from deprived communities to go back to university.

The teachers will spend one term working on projects to remove the barriers preventing poorer youngsters from going to university, then report back to schools and colleges with their ideas.

Sussex University is one of 30 chosen to take part in the government scheme.

Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge said: "The Government's target is that by 2010, 50 per cent of young people enter higher education.

"We need to work with universities, schools and teachers to succeed and these fellowships are a good example of how we can join forces.

"Teachers are best placed to know what is preventing their own students from raising their sights and going on to higher education.

"By working with universities they could help knock down barriers and encourage more pupils to aim higher.

"Universities are already doing good work on widening participation and I am delighted they are opening up their doors wider to teachers with creative ideas."

The university will be allowed to give awards of up to £20,000 to three or more teachers, of which £1,000 will be for the teacher.

The awards will enable the school or college to purchase supply cover while the teacher is absent on the Excellence Fellowship and provide travel and living costs.

The funding will also cover the production of reports on the teachers' experiences.