It's not about money, it's about fun, it's about making school a fun thing to do

Stephanie Elsy, leader of Southwark Council

The scheme is being launched by senior police officers, including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, and is backed by the local authority and a host of companies.

The leader of Southwark Council, Stephanie Elsy, said the project provided incentives for schoolchildren to remain on their best behaviour.

"What we know is that incentives, carrot, works better than stick," she said.

"What we found, when we talked to children, is that often they don't feel valued in terms of their behaviour.

'Not about money'

"This recognises good behaviour and encourages children to carry on behaving well because they have an incentive to do so.

"It's not about money, it's about fun, it's about making school a fun thing to do."

Up to 8,000 pupils will be able to use the cards.

The government has provided �875,000 for the scheme, with another �500,000 from private companies.

More than 50 commercial organisations are involved including London Knights Ice Hockey, London Broncos Rugby League, Bubble Theatre Company, Millwall Football Club, London Towers Basketball and Surrey County Cricket Club.