KENT schools could move to a five-term year by 2008, it has emerged.

Kent County Council, the country’s largest education authority, says it is responding to concerns from heads who say the change to six terms, introduced in 2005, has flopped.

The authority is now setting up a working party consisting of head teachers, governors, parents and education officials to examine how a change to five terms would affect its 600-plus schools and how it could be implemented.

If agreed, the five-term year could begin as early as 2008.

Cllr John Simmonds (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for education, stressed he was "open minded" and would not approve any change if he was unconvinced schools and pupils would benefit.

KCC ruled out a switch to a five-term year in 2004, instead opting to modify the pattern to create six terms.

* See this week's Kent Messenger for the full story.