Upheaval as schools mull a six-term year

The borough's schools are already undergoing a transition from a three to a two-tier structure, which has caused disruption for many parents because of an extended summer break, and many fear the proposals could cause more upheaval for pupils.

Parents are being consulted on the plans, put forward by an independent commission set up by the Local Government Association, which could be incorporated into the school calendar in 2004.

Students currently follow a three-term year, which is separated by holidays during summer, Christmas and Easter and three half-term holidays. Under the new guidelines, pupils would be given six terms separated by a shorter summer holiday, two weeks in October and two weeks during the Christian festivals.

The ideology behind the proposal is to raise standards by allowing pupils to study in bite-sized terms and reduce stress during the long autumn term.

However, many parents believe the changes could prove chaotic for families, especially those who work full-time.

Lin Collins, whose children aged 11 and 13 will be affected if the plans are pushed forward, said: "I'm not happy at all about this. My children will be a bit older when it happens so they will be more able to look after themselves, but it is very unfair on parents who work.

"No one I have spoken to is pleased about it.

"Merton has consulted parents before on the schools reorganisation and even though people opposed it, it went ahead anyway. I think the same will happen here."

Fellow parent Anne Ambridge added: "It is getting more difficult for parents who work.

"It restricts you to a shorter period in summer so it is harder to cover child care."

Some also fear the new terms will not correspond to other boroughs and regions, although the Local Education Authority has promised to

liaise with neighbouring councils to ensure terms follow the same pattern.

Parents have until Friday, July 19 to take part in the consultation.