HEAD teachers in the Eastleigh area have welcomed a pilot project that could radically change the school year.

Following the results of a huge county-wide survey, education chiefs have announced that Hampshire schools are to trial a six-term year instead of three.

If successful, it could shorten the six-week summer holiday and mean a longer break in October.

Crestwood Community School head Phil Munday, said: "I think virtually everybody in the education world would say it is easier to fix the end of the Easter term to a regular time because it means work can be planned.

"I like the idea of a two-week break in the autumn term. That is when a lot of preparation for exams is taking place, but it is a long term and students can get very tired."

Eastleigh Shakespeare County Junior School head Stuart Gamble said: "I think it makes a lot of sense although I'm not sure I agree with the way it is being organised. You still have the long break in the summer.

"I would like to have used it creatively, start with a clean sheet and space the holiday periods out."

Fair Oak Infant School head teacher Hazel Shaw said: "I don't think that the present proposals address the issues which need addressing. One of the ideas was to make it six equal terms, but it doesn't do that. The terms still vary fairly significantly."