LANCASHIRE education chiefs insist it will be down to schools whether they offer an alternative qualification to A-levels.

The government has announced it plans to make £2.5million available so every local authority has at least one centre offering the international baccalaureate (IB).

More broadly based than A-levels, IBs comprise six main subjects studied over two years and is recognised at universities across the globe.

Students must choose from literature, a second language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, maths, computer sciences and the arts.

It also includes a 4,000-word essay on a topic of the student's interest.

"Only one school in Lancashire, privately-run Rossall School, Fleetwood, is currently among the 95 schools offering the IB in the UK.

However under the plans, every local authority would have at least one college or school by 2010 offering the qualification.

But Alan Whittaker, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for schools, insisted schools would not be forced into offering the IB.

He said: "It is a broad qualification that is applicable to the sixth forms.

"We will be discussing with each school or college, to look at the possibility of going down this route. Ultimately it is their decision.

"It's another option and is common place in Europe. It's been placed on the agenda and we will consider it."