PROPOSALS for a six-term school year have met a mixed response from local head teachers.

The proposals have been put forward by the Local Government Association, which says it would allow exams such as GCSEs and A'levels to be held earlier in the year.

This could mean university admissions based on real, not forecast A'Level grades, and exams not being held in the hay-fever season.

Peter Buchanan, head of Dyson Perrins, said: "What we have to remember is that changing the terms will have an effect far beyond the schools. For instance, it would have an effect on the holiday industry.

"But the proposal of a six-term year sounds not very different to three terms with half-term breaks. If it's going to be changed, I would suggest something radical: to try a five-term year.

"This term we are just starting is always long and by November and December people are flagging, both staff and pupils. Five terms of seven or eight weeks would be about right."

David Fawbert, head of The Chase, said: "There's something to be said for having terms of equal length. At the moment, we can have a 17-week term at longest and 10 weeks at the shortest. I would be happy to give it a go."

Hugh Carson, of independent Malvern College, said: "I like the idea of universities making their offers based on real grades, not predictions.

"It also makes sense to hold exams before the hay fever season, because so many hay fever sufferers find it really difficult.

"It makes sense to come back in August, to get about half the year's work over by Christmas, and to have a short post-Christmas term, because that's when you have the most illness."

Chris Tweedale, head of John Masefield High School, Ledbury, said: "I would be in favour of a five-term year. At the moment, because of Easter moving about, we get some very long and some very short terms."

At Malvern Girls' College, head Philippa Legate, said a six-term year would be unnecessarily complicated and would be more in favour of five.

She welcomed moves to improve the shape of the school year but felt there would have to be more discussion before any decisions can be made.