Keighley schools may soon see sweeping changes to their school year.

The news comes following discussions at Bradford Council about switching its education timetable to a six-term year.

The scheme, which has been proposed by the Local Government Association, is designed to improve what is seen by many as outdated patterns of schooling.

In a report to the Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Director of Education and Schools stated the main aims that the proposed changes hoped to achieve.

They include raising pupil achievement and discouraging absenteeism, as well as being more helpful to parents in the setting of terms and holidays

With the plan still in its infancy, it has been suggested that the LEA consider a consultation stage in which public opinion is sought from schools and parents.

A similar consultation in North Lincolnshire provoked a huge response, with parents strongly supporting a change to six terms.

And the early signs among the heads of schools in the Keighley area show them to be in favour of the plans.

Conor Davis, head of The Holy Family Roman Catholic School, would welcome the change to six terms.

He said: "I think it's a jolly good idea, but it needs working out before they go ahead.

"Children do work better over a shorter term. They should have done it years ago."

Miles Mizon, retiring head of Greenhead High School, also supports a change.

He said: "I do think that it's a good idea to recast the terms and holidays.

"I think the long summer holiday in particular, the uneven length of terms and the movable Easter break make it hard to keep a sense of continuity."

However, he favours a five-term year over the proposed model.

He added: "The six term model is not the best solution.

"A better solution is a five term year with eight weeks in each term. It is a very even spread over the year.

"Eight weeks in my view is a more effective period of time for pupils to work, after that they lose interest."

The report, although recommending the six-term model proposed by the LGA, also stated that other options could be considered.