Charles Clarke has given his backing to proposals to split the school year into six terms.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Thursday, the education secretary argued that the move, which would result in shorter summer holidays but longer half-terms, would have educational benefits for students.

"The Local Government Association commissioned an inquiry by Chris Price, a former MP and chairman of the education select committee, looking at the balance of the school year a couple of years ago, and he recommended, and most local authorities have gone along with it, that there should be six terms in the school year," he said.

"They have raised that with me and, though it is not formally my responsibility - it is the responsibility of the individual local education authorities - I decided that I supported the approach that was being taken, and have written to the Local Government Association, encouraging them to go down the course recommended by Chris Price."

"We traditionally, the Department for Education and Skills, have rather sat on the fence and said it is a matter for the individual LEA," he added.

Asked whether the ministry was now coming off the fence, he replied: "Indeed."