AN independent commission is to investigate the prospects of the five-term school year as more councils consider scrapping the long summer holiday. Set up by the Local Government Association, the commission may also look at the timing of public examinations and university entrance. The 32 London education authorities are considering restructuring the school year. Essex, Newham, Staffordshire and Bradford are already considering switching to five terms, but East Sussex is likely to abandon the idea after consultation revealed hostility from parents.