UPDATE: EDUCATION Minister Martin Dixon has backed more flexible starting times for government students if schools want it.

The Herald Sun today revealed the selective-entry Melbourne High School was considering a 9.30am start while Templestowe College will operate three schedules from next year including a 10.30am to 5.15pm school day.

Concern that adolescents aren’t getting enough sleep is among considerations.

Mr Dixon praised schools for showing innovation, but stressed parents and teachers needed to be on board.

“It’s very important obviously that it’s being done for the right reasons,’’ he said.

“But it’s certainly worth trying. It’s a great idea for schools to try new things that are going to improve student learning.

“The world of work has changed considerably - people work all sorts of odd hours.

“People have late shifts and people have early shifts and I think if a school reflects that then it’s a good preparation for the work world which has changed considerably.”

Melbourne High School principal Jeremy Ludowyke said delaying the school’s starting time could deliver real benefits.

Research shows adolescents typically need 10 hours of sleep .

The school’s students have suggested a 9.30am start rather than the present 8.50am.

“There is a good research base to say we probably ask students to start their working day a little earlier than they should,’’ Mr Ludowyke said.

“We want to just assess the educational value of that proposition.

“It’s one we have to be prepared to look at quite reasonably and objectively.”

The flow-on effect of a later start, that could result in some students not getting home until 6.30pm, would be among factors the school would consider.

Templestowe College has already embraced a change.

From next year, its students will be able to opt for one of three schedules: the existing 8.50am-3.30pm, 10.30am-5.15pm, or 7.15am-1.15pm.

Principal Peter Hutton said most students were expected to stick with the existing times, but the later start would help those who needed more sleep.

“For some kids, that late start will be a godsend,’’ he said.

Karen Davis, mum of Templestowe year 11 student Melissa, said the later start would be “fabulous”.

“Teenagers don’t operate too well before 10 o’clock,’’ she said.

“It’s hard getting them to bed and hard getting them up.”

Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Frank Sal said the traditional 9am-3pm school day was eroding as schools became more autonomous.

Mr Dixon said schools were empowered to differ their hours provided students received the mandatory 25 hours of minimum instruction a week.

“Especially with secondary students there’s quite a body of thought that says that students operate better later in the day,’’ he said.

“That’s why this trial is worthwhile looking at very, very closely.

“If we see an appreciable difference in the students, in their attention to their work, their engagement with their work and their results then it’s something that is worthwhile other schools considering.”

Melbourne High is also examining the idea of lectures of up to 300 year 12 students in selected subjects such as English, after research showed students could suffer culture shock when they moved on to tertiary study.

Providing courses online has been flagged to further smooth the transition to tertiary study.

The school will consult before making any recommendations.

wes.hosking@news.com.au