A SIX-TERM year for all schools in Kent could begin in 2005. County councillors on KCC’s Conservative cabinet have agreed to a switch - but only if other education authorities bordering Kent move to a six-term year at the same time.

County education chiefs say a co-ordinated move to a six-term year would minimise parental confusion and disruption, particularly for those with children at schools in different authorities.

KCC’s cabinet voted to keep to the traditional three-term year for 2004-2005 but will implement a six-term year for 2005-2006, provided there is a clear consensus among neighbouring authorities.

These include Medway, Bromley, Bexley and East Sussex. With the exception of Medway, all have indicated that they also favour a switch.

Graham Badman, KCC's education director, told councillors the impact of re-organising the school year would be modest.

“It will mean fairly minimal change in the context of what else is happening to the way the school day is organised. The evidence would suggest that there is substance to the claim that it would help both teachers and pupils, in terms of planning and overcoming learning loss,” he said.

However, one member of the cabinet said Government plans to fine parents for taking children out of school in term time would place many families an invidious position.

Cllr Keith Ferrin warned: “People must recognise that many parents will face a dilemma and many will be outraged when they find out. Many of the families I represent could not go on holiday without taking their children out of one school and without incurring fines of £100. That is simply intolerable.”

Cllr Paul Carter (Con), KCC's cabinet member for education, said: “Whatever we do, it is important that we consider the views of neighbouring authorities. I personally do believe there is a strong case for change on the basis of what the professionals in schools have told us.”

Teaching unions are likely to resist a change. Allan Craig, of the Kent branch of the teaching union NASUWT, said his members were overwhelmingly opposed. He stressed: “There is no real, firm evidence a change would benefit anyone. Kent has many problems in education and this simply distracts the authority’s attention."

A six-term year starting in 2005 would, if agreed, see pupils returning to school immediately after the August Bank Holiday – reducing the summer holiday by about a week.

The other key changes would mean a two-week holiday in October and a fixed two-week break in April.

In some years this may not always coincide with Easter, although the provisional dates for 2005 suggest the Easter Bank Holiday would fall within that break.