HAMPSHIRE is on course to be the first county in the country to back a six-term school year.

Results of a huge council survey on the controversial scheme are just in and locals appear to have come down in favour of the switch.

The news could sound the death knell for the long summer holidays which would be chopped to five weeks under the plan.

Currently the county, in common with the rest of the country, operates a three-term year with a floating Easter break. The system has long attracted criticism for creating overly-long terms and harming youngsters' learning.

In response, Hampshire launched one of the biggest consultations the authority has ever undertaken. In May, more than half a million questionnaires were sent out to residents, businesses, teachers, unions and parents asking what they thought of the move.

The survey found that while parents were generally "lukewarm" about a switch, they supported the improvements it offered, such as regular-length terms and a two-week break in October. Parents agreed that a six-term year would raise standards by a factor of two to one.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to the introduction of the six-term year was thought to be the chopping of the summer holiday to five weeks.

But a report on the survey's results shows parents actually support the move.

It said: "Many parents felt the school holidays were too long. Even those who felt a long summer holiday was essential for both children and family agreed that a five-week holiday was an acceptable length."

Head teachers backed the idea of fixing the spring break but felt six terms was just "tinkering" with the current system and wanted something more radical, such as having only five terms instead.

Teachers said the alternative system would "lead to advantages as far as teaching and learning were concerned".

Businesses were "very positive", appreciating the ability to plan around predictable school holidays. Retailers also welcomed the shorter summer holiday, although none wanted to see it drop below five weeks, which they warned could make hiring temporary summer staff uneconomic.

Most groups quizzed said they approved a fixed Easter break but would only like to see Hampshire switch to six terms in conjunction with neighbouring authorities.

Southampton City Council is also consulting on the scheme and results are expected by the start of December. Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex and Portsmouth are all waiting to see which way other authorities jump before pursuing the idea.

Hampshire education boss Cllr Don Allen would not discuss his preference but said he wanted to see the county make a clear decision.

"My interpretation is that there's a generally positive attitude towards having a six-term year. There's also strong approval for fixing a spring holiday. That's a strong message that comes through," he said.

"My attitude will be that we should take a very definite decision and not sit on the fence," he added.

The survey results are to be formally announced in a meeting of Hampshire's Education Policy Review Committee tomorrow. After that the proposals will go to Cllr Allen, who will then refer them on to the full Cabinet.

If approved, the earliest a six-term year could be adopted is September 2004.

WHICH WAY NOW: HAMPSHIRE'S OPTIONS

Option 1) Keep things as they are.

Option 2) Retain the existing three terms, but incorporate the advantage of having a fixed Easter break.

Option 3) Adopt the six-term year, which means: two terms before Christmas, with no term of more than 38 days; a two-week October break; a two-week Christmas break; four terms after Christmas, each limited to a maximum of six weeks and a summer break of five weeks.

What do you think? Write with your views to: Gareth Lewis, Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.