by Daniella Gray, former High Weald Academy pupil, now a journalism student

School days are supposed to be the best of our lives. And if you like chips and burger sauce, a cheeky cigarette and using the car to visit the must-see location of the Weald (Cranbrook Co-op) this is for you.

1. The number 5 bus.

This was the one you got for your gateway to freedom when young. Getting this bus was your first step to independence when your parents kept saying ‘no’ when asked to drop you into town.

2. Lunch time.

This was always a great opportunity to go into Cranbrook. Despite many options the most popular was usually chips and burger sauce from the kebab shop, in Carriers Road.

3. Smokers unite.

The Weald Sports Centre, in Angley Road, was near where all the smokers went to get away from the prying eyes of the teachers.

4. Underage drinking.

We all had our favourite pub in nearby villages for gathering with all your friends on a Friday evening after a long hard week at school. Maybe even a Wednesday if you were struggling.

5. Sofas for the sixth form.

In the late 2000s, High Weald Academy built The Harris Centre, a new area for the sixth-form. To students' delight, it featured the staple of sixth-form life: sofas. We all knew free periods were a time to knuckle down and do some work, but most ended up spending hours lounging on the sofas.

6. The Co-Op and your first car.

The moment you drive into school in your very own car – first stop was the Co-op on Cranbrook High Street. Getting all your mates together, or just the lucky chosen ones, and going to the store was your initiation test as a new driver.

7. Itching to get to Wonderland nightclub.

The nightclub was in Maidstone's Barker Road is sadly no more. It turned into the Gravity Trampoline park. But it was the place to go on turning 18. For some of the lucky ones, born early in the academic calendar, clubbing days began in September-October. Others would have to wait their turn to (legally) party.

8. Rivalry between schools.

It’s the same in every town, but there’s usually some beef between the grammar and comprehensive schools. So for those in the Weald the friendly rivalry was between Cranbrook School and the High Weald Academy, formerly known as Angley School.

9. Front of the bus for you, mate.

We’ve all been through it, if you’re not old enough or simply cool enough then it’s simple: you don’t get to sit at the back of the bus -the cool end. You work your way up.

10. The KM visiting on results day.

As if waiting for those brown envelopes wasn't stressful enough if you were predicted to do quite well in your exams there was the added pressure of seeing a KM photographer and being asked to smile, hug your friends, and brandish said envelopes and results papers.