HEADTEACHERS in Fareham are backing a pilot project that could radically change the face of the school year.

School chiefs across the borough say change is needed to pace the education of youngsters.

Their comments follow the announcement by education bosses that Hampshire schools are set to trial a six-term year instead of three.

Many heads say the new six-term year would help structure pupils' learning better although some admitted the proposals did not go far enough.

Alan Brown, headteacher at Park Gate Primary School, said: "I personally don't think the proposals for a six-term year have gone far enough.

"I would like the possibility of a four or five-term looked at in more detail.

"A five-term year would mean five equal-length terms rather than six disparate ones."

David Wilmot, headteacher at Cams Hill School in Fareham, said there were benefits to be had by changing the school year.

"The big advantage would not be having a long stretch of holiday during the summer.

"However, there could be some disadvantages for having a six-term year in terms of the uneven lengths of the terms."

The headteachers have yet to see the results of the consultation carried out by Hampshire County Council looking into the pros and cons of changing the school year.