There is no more wearying conclusion to one’s working day than trying to get hundreds of hyperactive young people to stand sensibly in rows of single lines.

Bus duty. It is the bête noire of many a dedicated teacher - especially after a long day standing up.

And in September, the “fun” could last much longer if staggered endings to the day are your school’s thing, and if more buses are deemed necessary to allow for socially distanced seating.

Staying comfortable while standing around for ages might seem like a trivial matter, but it’s actually important for your physical and mental health. And staying comfortable means getting your shoes right. So how do footwear choices compare?

1. Platforms or wedges

Platforms offer two winning qualities for the vertically challenged teacher: height and (relative) comfort. You’ll be able to see who’s messing about at the back of the queue, no problem. Male teachers after a similar advantage may prefer to wear the Teddy Boy’s favourite, the brothel creeper (though maybe keep the name to yourself). You’ll look cool while maintaining a vantage point.

2. Brogues

A classic teacher shoe that has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Don’t be deterred by the fact that they were the footwear of choice for Miss Trunchbull. Team them with bottle-green socks pulled up to your knees, and march around like a stormtrooper, with long strides and arms swinging.

3. Wellies

Particularly useful if you live in the wet west of Britain. Cheer yourself up by pretending you’re not on bus duty and are, in fact, the Duchess of Cambridge on a royal visit. You can achieve this delusional state by donning a pair of Le Chameaus: a snip, you’ll agree, at £180.

4. Sandals

Contrary to popular belief, Birkenstocks are not purely the preserve of RE teachers. I know this for a fact, as my physics teacher used to wear his with green-towelling socks (what is it with teachers and green socks?). Sandals are comfortable and airy - ideal for summertime bus duties but to be avoided in the autumn term. If you still have them out, go and store them away until Easter.

5. Designer shoes

Nothing screams “bus-duty ready” like a pair of £800 red, silk polka-dot Manolo Blahniks. Wear these if you were a Sex and the City fan 20 years ago and you’re wondering where it all went wrong for you. What’s that? You don’t have a spare grand to spend on designer shoes? Channel Christian Louboutin by purchasing some cheap black stilettos and asking a bored-looking member of the school’s art club to paint the soles red for you.

6. Steel toe-cap boots

They are not going to win a style award, and they tend to be heavy, but they might save you a trip to A&E: twice I have lost a toenail to being trodden on by clumsy teens. Twice.

7. Sports shoes

Be honest, there’s only one shoe that makes sense. PE teachers have a natural advantage when it comes to bus duty because they’ve already got the right footwear on (and carry a whistle). Sports shoes tend to be all-terrain, all-weather - a distinct plus if you are trying to herd teenagers in the rain over grass verges. Make the right choice: pack your trainers.

Gemma Corby is a freelance writer and a former Sendco and library assistant

This article originally appeared in the 28 August 2020 issue under the headline “Footwear that’s a shoe-in for bus duty”