A headteacher has claimed problems with a bus route could lead to his school losing funding.

Trevor Lawn, headteacher of Alec Hunter Academy, believes pupils moving up to secondary school are being put off by the packed 38A Stephensons of Essex bus, which takes pupils to the school.

He said: “From talking to Silver End’s Year 6 parents on a visit to the school last week, this issue is very much in their minds and could easily result in some parents, who may have been inclined to choose Alec Hunter as the secondary school for their child, making an alternative choice due to their concerns.

“This would then mean we lose out on potential students and funding.

“At county level this is about a change in policy which is simply designed to save money rather than put the needs of students and parents first.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Transport is provided for children with an entitlement under the law and council policy.

“Where appropriate, we will always look to utilise existing commercial routes to help support and sustain bus services within local communities.

“We are disappointed to hear Mr Lawn’s comments and will continue to work with schools and operators to support suitable and reliable transport for eligible children.”