SCHOOLS in the New Forest have given a mixed reaction to plans for a shake-up which could radically change the face of the school year.

Following the results of a huge county-wide survey, Hampshire schools are set to trial a six-term year instead of three.

If the pilot project is a success it could bring an end to the lengthy six-week summer holidays.

A new two-week October break is also included in the formula, which has also won some support from parents and businesses.

But in the New Forest district there was some doubt as to whether six terms was the best choice.

At Applemore College, near Hythe, principal Frank Callaghan said: "I am in favour of changing the school year, but whether six terms is the right answer, I am not sure.

"There is a need for a different pattern because the present one does not support learning as much as it might."

Blackfield Junior School head teacher John Perkins said: "When the survey went around, I got the impression that no one could see any advantage in it.

"I do not see many advantages myself and the main difficulty is the timing of Easter, which falls at a different time each year."