More than 200 pupils without asylum-seeker status arrived unexpectedly in the city this year. Most of their families, who were originally from Somalia, gained European Union citizenship in Scandinavia before moving to Leicester, and many have been housed on one estate.

Their EU citizenship prohibits the nearby shool, Taylor Road primary, from getting a pound;500-per-pupil asylum-seeker allowance.

The school’s head, Chris Hassall, whose roll has jumped from 230 to 333 in seven months, needs pound;52,000 to pay for two more language teachers. “The parents of these children are supportive and understanding, but that is not enough,” he said.

The Government has now been asked by Leicester council to provide extra funding.