Under a 15-year Primary Capital Strategy programme, currently out to consultation, priority is to be given to schools not only with poor buildings but high deprivation and low pupil attainment.

The school was told two years ago it had just missed out but believed it was high on the list of priorities.

But now Councillor Beth Atkins said: "It came as a shock when they announced that Thornsett School, which has been on the rebuild list for nearly 30 years, was not on this year's list and not in the 15 primary schools earmarked for rebuilds!

"The staff and children work in difficult, cramped surroundings. Their achievement comes only because of the tremendous efforts of the staff and the local community in supporting the children, spurred on by the thoughts that 'it won't last for ever' 'we will get the new school soon'.

"Now, once again, they have been knocked back, penalised for working so hard," said Cllr Atkins who is calling for those who support the new school to contact her or sign the petition at the school gate.

With a cramped Victorian building, no pavement outside, a steep flight of steps, no disabled access and busy roads to cross, a new school was urgently needed, said Cllr Atkins.

"Inevitably, the children must suffer from the shortage of onsite play areas at Thornsett School and, with their only games field at the proposed new site, carrying out any sporting activity requires extra time and advanced planning. We need a new Thornsett School ."

Cllr Alan Charles, DCC's Cabinet Member for Schools, said consultation was currently ongoing into the Primary Capital Strategy to refurbish 50 per cent of schools and rebuild five per cent during the 15 years plan, subject to funding being available.

"It is a consultation and we will carefully look at all responses we receive."

While he agreed Thornsett desperately needed rebuilding he said it did not meet the criteria to be included in the first few years of the programme

"Sometimes it is very hard for schools like Thornsett where teachers are working hard and are achieving. The question put to me is, 'Are we being punished for hard work?'"

"I have every sympathy over that question being asked but when you are faced with children in areas where they are really really struggling, which is down to the disadvantaged backgrounds and a school's poor condition that is where funding in the early stages is being targeted."