New school year, new bus problems.

Once again children moving up from primary to secondary school are finding their biggest problem is just getting there.

Last autumn, the problems on the No 5 route from Staplehurst to Maidstone were so bad that one school, Cornwallis Academy, was forced to hire taxis and minibuses to get its pupils home.

This year, complaints have stemmed mainly from the No 571 service from Leybourne into Maidstone, via Allington.

Grace Mason, 11, is one of those who has been repeatedly stranded while trying to get to Invicta Grammar School from the bus stop on the London Road, near the Preston Hall gates.

Her mother, Amanda Evans, said that of the first seven school days, her daughter was left at the stop four times because the bus was already full.

She said: “The school has been very understanding. But it is intimidating enough starting at a new school without worrying that you are going to be late all the time.”

Invicta has set up a dedicated phone line for parents and pupils to report bus problems. Head teacher Julie Derrick said: “We are frustrated that there was no forward planning to meet the needs not only of our students, but of all the students travelling in and out of Maidstone.”

Pupils heading for Valley Park School have also been stranded. The 571 goes to Invicta, but it is not a dedicated school service and can be used by anyone. Many children heading for Maidstone Grammar use the same bus, although they can also catch the 71 and 72.

Mrs Evans said: “Invicta pupils can catch the 71, but then they have to walk up from the town centre.”

Arriva spokesman Richard Lewis said: “As with most new school years, we were not made aware of how many children would travel on our services until the term started.

“In order to help the situation, from October 5, we will be adjusting the 7.42am service 576 bus from West Malling so that it will run four minutes earlier, serving Preston Hall at 8.01am.”