Trail-blazing plans to revamp term times at a south Essex school have sparked outrage among parents and pupils.

From January 2000, the Greensward School in Hockley will become the first in Essex to introduce a five-term academic year.

The move is designed to boost standards, relieve stress and reduce "learning loss" by slashing the long summer break to four weeks.

However, a talkback line has been ringing red hot with complaints from parents and children.

Head girl Jennifer Drummond, 18, said she thought the proposals were a good idea.

A sixth-former at Greensward, who did not want to be named, said governors had decided to press on with the plans without listening to parents or pupils.

He said: "The quotes attributed to certain pupils last week are not typical of the views of pupils. We hate the ideas, and a number of teachers have agreed with us too."

Parent Tracey Lane, of Hyams Road, Hockley, said: "I have one child at Greensward, one going up to the school and another child at a feeder school. I am also a working mum. I teach adult education. Now of course, this is going to throw my life into complete disarray."

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, claimed: "At a meeting, 75 per cent of parents clearly displayed a vote against a five-term year which the governing body has now approved.

"It seems they have not taken into consideration the views of parents - they haven't listened."

Ros Jackson, of Alexandra Road, Great Wakering, said: "It is very silly for one school in an area to do it alone. There should be a policy for all schools in Essex to change at this time - not one school in isolation."

Headteacher, David Triggs said on that the right decision had been made.

He added: "My job is to get the best benefits for the Greensward School. This new structure is about getting the best for the students, from the students, and offering the best opportunities. We are not guinea pigs, this has been tried, tested and researched very well and proved to work."

Essex education authority is looking at introducing the new structure for all schools in the county.

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