Changes to the train timetable that could see up to 300 children crammed on to the platform in Sandwich is an “accident waiting to happen”, a head teacher has warned.

Rail operator Southeastern has come under fire for its 2015 schedule because critics say it does not take the school run into account.

The head teacher at Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Lee Hunter, said: “We are now trying to come up with a plan B because I doubt Southeastern will change the timetable now it has been printed.”

Classes at the school are scheduled to end at 3.20pm, giving pupils enough time to catch the 3.35pm to Deal.

But when the new timetable comes into force in January, the train will leave 10 minutes earlier at 3.25 – just five minutes after the school day ends.

Mr Hunter said he feared for the safety of 150 youngsters who travel home by train.

Previously the rush of pupils from Sir Roger Manwood’s School and Sandwich Technology School was largely staggered to avoid crowded platforms.

But with all the children being gathered together, Mr Hunter said: “It’s an accident waiting to happen and Southeastern is liable.”

Tony Nagle, the father of a boy in Year 7, said: “I’ve been on the phone to Southeastern’s customer services and all I got was a wishy-washy answer that they’re sorry we’re not happy with the new timetable.

“They say they have consulted with various people and it has been on their website but that’s not the same as talking to the schools who are the main users of that train.”

The school also complained but Mr Hunter said it was unlikely the rail firm would listen to their concerns.

Andy Fisher, school business manager at Sandwich Technology, said: "We been in regular discussions with Sir Roger Manwood’s school and we have and continue to collectively contact South Eastern Railway.

"Despite clear Health and Safety issues raised around the volume of students waiting on the platform at Sandwich Station, South Eastern Railways stance has not changed and nor it appears will it do so until a possible review in May 2015.

"This is unacceptable to both schools having raised this as a ‘potential major accident waiting to happen.’ We continue to push for an urgent review of the timetable changes and their potential implications. There has never been a consultation process involving either school and the local town council were also unaware.

"We are currently awaiting responses from Dover District and Kent County Councils respectively on their involvement if any."

Mr Fisher added: " Both schools would urge parents to contact South Eastern Railway."

To contact Southeastern, who are yet to comment, call 0845 000 2222 or 01732 378 751 or visit http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/contact/contact-us-form