THE Prime Minister has written to a campaigning headteacher to offer his support – but no money.

David Cameron has written to Gary Smith, the head of Market Field School, in Elmstead market, to congratulate him on his school’s achievements.

However, he did not come up with the cash the school needs for new premises.

Mr Smith has been lobbying for more than six years for £25million for a new building.

The school, whose children have special learning needs, is grossly overcrowded, with 183 students squeezing into a building designed for 70.

The playground is so full of temporary classrooms it has been nicknamed “Shed City”.

Mr Smith has appealed to millionaires, philanthropists and politicians for their backing.

He also took some of his students to Downing Street, where they met Mr Cameron.

In his letter to Mr Smith, the Prime Minister said: “It was good to meet you and some of your lively students.

“I do understand and appreciate the work of special schools and value their part in our education landscape.

“I would be disappointed to hear you are being treated unfairly.”

However, he said it was the responsibility of Essex County Council to determine capital funding.

Mr Smith said: “I will just keep carrying on.

“We have been promised a new school by 2017, but that is five years away, which is half the school-lifetime for children.

“We need new facilities urgently and I will continue to fight for them.”