SCHOOLS across the county could all have the same six-term year after a review of the system in Blackburn and Darwen.

Headteachers' associations have made representations to education bosses, and schools have sent in comments, prompting them to look again at the issue.

In September last year, Lancashire County Council adopted a new "standard school year" pattern agreed by the Local Government Association, comp-rising two seven-week terms and four six-week terms.

Blackburn with Darwen Council carried out a three-month consultation, asking parents, teachers and young people whether they wanted to adopt the new pattern or stick to the existing three-term year.

The response showed there was no overriding collective view, and the council decided not to change its holidays.

That meant that school holidays in Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale were different from those in the borough, primarily at Easter.

Unions said the decision caused problems for parents and teachers - the standard county council school year includes a two week break at the beginning of April regardless of when Easter falls, and schools also have the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays off, whereas Blackburn and Darwen Council times the holiday to coincide with Easter.

Next year, Lancashire schools will close on April 4, the date that Blackburn and Darwen pupils return.

The 2008/9 holiday dates have been altered so they are more closely aligned with Lancashire schools, and the second consult-ation has been announced.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for children's services, Coun Chris Thayne said: "We will listen further to the views of parents and students and will ask school staff for their views on how changing school holiday dates beyond 2008/9 would impact on education, improving teaching and learning."