The five In Service Training (INSET) days for 2008-2009 will now all take place during the first week of November, allowing the schools extended time for joint professional development every Monday evening throughout the year.

Previously the training took place on five full days staggered throughout the year.

The changes mean the schools will now operate a four term system instead of the traditional three term system.

The changes are intended to reduce holidays in term time, absence in November and December, and increase joint training opportunities.

Community college headteacher Keith Prytherch said in a joint statement for the three schools: "Together we identified a need for proper staff training and an extended break for students in the winter term. This is a pilot which we will try in the coming academic year and if it is successful will continue. We had a positive response from parents when we announced it via our newsletter.

He added: "Similar schemes have been trialled in other parts of the country and had a dramatic effect with benefits including improved attendance and less student sickness."

The changes will commence this September at all three schools.

It is usual for UK schools to have three terms in the academic year.