Natasha Wright and her husband John, moved to Peterborough from Berkshire at the end of last year, and were excited about getting their children into the Hampton school system.

However, Mrs Wright is now furious that her four-year-old Poppy has been denied at place at Hampton Hargate Primary School, and her nearest alternative is in the Ortons.

Mrs Wright is not alone, as today Peterborough City Council revealed that at least 12 other families from Hampton have been told their children can't start school at either Hampton primary school next year.

It is the most over-subscribed area in Peterborough.

The Wright's eldest son Ethan (11) has settled into Hampton College as a Year 6 pupil, and Natasha wants Poppy to have the same opportunity to adapt to her new community. They also have 11-month-old twins, Noah and Fynn.

Mrs Wright, who lives in Rothbart Way, Hampton Hargate, said: "It is absolutely absurd. Poppy goes to the nursery next door to the school and we were looking forward to her starting at the primary school in September.

"But we were told that the school is over-subscribed and we are one of many parents who haven't got their child into the school.

"The alternative is to take Poppy to school in Orton Goldhay, and that would be a nightmare as I already have to get Ethan to college and look after my twins."

At the moment Hampton has two primary schools and a secondary college.

Peterborough City Council's assistant director of children's services Mel Collins said there were plans for two new primary schools in Hampton

"Planning for the future educational needs included the provision of additional places dependant on property occupancy rates.

"However, while occupancy rates are slightly less than were forecast, pupil numbers in the area have exceeded those expected and planned for."

Developers O&H Hampton said that a further 4,000 more homes could be built in Hampton. So far 3,000 have been put up.

It is anticipated that the new primary schools would be built when the population gets close to 5,000 – but this could be in four or five years' time.

A city council spokesperson said: "Schools in Hampton are very popular and attract high numbers of applications for places.

"Applications for all school places are undertaken annually, but it is difficult to predict numbers of children who will be moving to the Hampton area as the township develops."

Mrs Wright plans to appeal.

n Any other disgruntled parents can get in touch with her on 01733 561746.