Parents are in despair after they were told there are no spaces left for their children on the school bus days before the school year began. 

Bicester parents were told there were no seats left on the Grayline bus, contracted by Oxfordshire County Council, just days before their children returned to Gosford Hill School in Kidlington.

Numerous parents have told the Oxford Mail they have safety concerns for their children, who now have no choice but to get public transport. 

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Oxfordshire County Council claims it is working with the school and parents to try and find a solution.

Lisa Rafferty's daughter, who is in year 10 and lives in Ambrosden, either has to get a lift to school or take public transport - a journey consisting of two public buses and a half mile walk.

Mrs Rafferty says she has safety concerns for her daughter, who now does not get home until between 6pm and 7pm. 

On three occasions her daughter has missed the connecting bus home, making her journey even longer.

"For me, it's really difficult and upsetting that she doesn’t have the school transport that she’s had for the last four years," Ms Rafferty told the Oxford Mail.

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"It’s upsetting and it's stressful because everyday I've got that anxiety of 'is she on the bus? Is she safe? What time is she going to be home?'"

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council told the Oxford Mail the situation appeared to have arisen because the previous school transport provider allowed some children to pay a fare to travel on a daily basis.

The council said this was an "unofficial arrangement" used by children who are "not eligible" for local authority provided transport.

"We hope our discussions with the school can identify another service that this group of children can use," the spokesperson added. 

Frances, who did not disclose her surname, said her daughter has just started at Gosford Hill in Year Seven and also has to take two public buses to get to school. 

She added: "I feel it's not fair on the children".

Mumba Salubi's son, who is in Year 11, also has to get public transport to school due to the school bus not stopping at Merton, the village near Bicester they live in. 

Gosford Hill School in Kidlington (Image: River Learning Trust) "We're having to leave Merton to go back to Bicester to get to Kidlington. We’re all stranded," Ms Salubi said. 

"It’s not really a good way to start the year, now he’s having to worry about how he’s going to get home.

"It's very disheartening, it made me worry so much for my child because before there was a safer route. I’m constantly having to check on him."

Bicester and Woodstock's MP Calum Miller said he was "really concerned" to hear about the situation and hopes the situation will be "swiftly resolved".

Mr Miller said: "It could not have come at a worse time, just as students are returning for the start of a new school year.

"I am glad that Oxfordshire County Council officers have arranged a meeting at my request this week with the parents and Gosford Hill School to explore solutions."

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Chris Bateman, deputy headteacher of Gosford Hill School, said: “This is an issue beyond our control – but we recognise that it is causing significant distress to students and their parents/carers.

“We will continue to support those members of our community impacted by this while the parties responsible seek a solution.”

A spokesperson for Grayline Coaches added that they have had numerous communications with both the school and the council and are working closely with them.

A meeting is due to take place at the school this afternoon (September 19) between parents and the council.