A bus driver taking 13 pupils to school lost his way and arrived nearly an hour-and-a-half late.
The journey to Frank F Harrison School in Walsall usually takes about 10 minutes, but concerns grew when the vehicle failed to arrive.
Choice Travel, based in Wolverhampton, says the driver was misdirected by the school children on the bus.
Education Walsall said the school is liaising with the bus company to ensure it does not happen again.
The driver is currently off work on a rest day whilst an investigation takes place.