Twins may be separated at school

Lexus was born about 45 minutes ahead of her sister Amber

Newborn twin girls are facing being separated at school - because they were born less than an hour apart into two separate academic years.

Lexus Conway was born in Northampton just before midnight on 31 August, about 45 minutes ahead of sister Amber, who came into the world on 1 September.

Sarah Conway and Ian Caldwell want their daughters to be taught together.

Northamptonshire County Council said a decision would be made nearer the time the twins are due to start school.

The twins were born less than an hour apart at the Barratt maternity unit but under current rules in education the twins are due to be split up at school as their birthdays straddle the dividing line for academic years.

Move to Spain

Nevertheless, parents Sarah Conway, 37, and Ian Caldwell, 42, are determined the twins will be taught together.

The local education authority has promised to look at their unusual case.

Mr Caldwell, 42, a twin himself, said the family would either have the girls taught at home or move to Spain, where he has relatives and where there is a different academic year.

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: "As this is relating to a specific case we will need to look into this nearer the time Lexus and Amber are due to start school as part of their overall application for a school place.

"Any decision made would be in the best interests of both children as well as taking into consideration the wishes of the parents."