PLANS for all of the county’s 600-plus primary and secondary schools to move to a six-term year appear to have moved another step closer.

Kent County Council has hosted talks with education chiefs from the neighbouring authorities of East Sussex, Medway, Bromley and Bexley at County Hall about a co-ordinated switch in 2005.

Kent County Council has already agreed that it wants to change the pattern of the school year but has said it will only do so if its neighbours switch at the same time.

Most of its neighbouring authorities are also signed up to the principle but they, too, are reluctant to go it alone. Medway Council had indicated it favoured a five-term year but last year changed its policy in favour of a six-term year.

Cllr Paul Carter, KCC's cabinet member for education, said he hoped there would be a consensus which would allow any change to be administered smoothly.

He stressed; “We have had very positive vibes from our neighbours and if we could also set common term dates across the south east, that would avoid many of the cross-border difficulties some families experience."

It is likely that all councils involved in the talks will consult separately after last Thursday's meeting, but if all sign up to the proposal, change is likely in 2005.

Under a six-term year, the key changes would be a fixed two-week break at Easter holiday not tied to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Pupils would return to school after summer slightly earlier, with the traditional six-week summer holiday cut by about a week.

Teaching unions are opposed to the move, saying there is no evidence it would bring improvements.