Two additional train services will be trialled from Sandwich to Deal in January after concerns were raised over a new timetable.

Rail operator Southeastern came under fire for its 2015 schedule because critics said it did not take the school run into account.

Classes at Sir Roger Manwoods (SRM) school finish 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.

It was feared that up to 300 children would be crammed on to the platform and head teacher at SRM, Lee Hunter said it was an “accident waiting to happen”.

The rush of pupils from Sir Roger Manwood’s School and Sandwich Technology School has been largely staggered to avoid crowded platforms.

A spokesman for Southeastern said: “We’ve had another look at this in light of the concerns of parents from both schools and we’ll now be running two additional trains from Sandwich on a trial basis with effect from January 12.

“So, in addition to the 15.26pm and 16.04pm services we’ll run a 15.39pm train and a 15.52pm train to help the pupils to get home.”

The existing trains have been approved by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Southeastern would need to go through a process to change that timetable.

Running trains on a trial basis means that there is no need to seek approval from the DfT.

Southeastern said it is hoped that this is a simpler solution that will ensure “all parties are happy.”

Speaking to the Mercury after this announcement, Mr Hunter said: “It is nice that they have heard our concerns.

“All we wanted was to avoid 300 kids on a platform.

“This is very good news and a very nice Christmas turn around.”

Mr Hunter said he would be sending emails to parents in light of the announcement.