MPs have been told giving schools the power to alter their hours would require an unusually high level of agreement from parents and families.

The Post Primary Teachers' Association has told a select committee it's broadly supportive of legislation going through Parliament giving schools more flexibility to set hours.

But it warns boards must be provided with guidelines that will help minimise disruption - and there would have to be consultation with the community.

Officials argue schools should be allowed to see if student achievement improves with a change in hours - for example, if teenagers were allowed more of a sleep-in.