Sir James Dyson donates further £1.8m to school

The billionaire founder of engineering firm Dyson has invested a further £1.8m into a primary school, bringing its total donation to £7.8m.

The money from Sir James Dyson will be used to build a state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) centre and create 210 new places at Malmesbury C of E Primary school in Wiltshire.

Sir James Dyson said he was "delighted" to be able to help "such a brilliant local school" and was looking "forward to construction getting under way".

Headmaster Steve Heal said: "We're so grateful to James Dyson for his continued, extremely generous support."

The plans include specialist STEAM laboratories equipped with advanced technology, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and hands-on learning equipment.

Wiltshire Council had previously been concerned about the impact on neighbouring schools if the expansion went ahead.

Now the final plans are due to be considered, Malmesbury Primary said the STEAM centre facilities will be a shared resource to benefit the wider community.

Heal said: "We have worked tirelessly to explore every opportunity to share the benefits of this development with the children in the local area and with those further afield."

Juliet Charman, global head of the James Dyson Foundation told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "It will be accessible to visiting groups from local schools, who can access the facilities in person or remotely and there are plans for engineering holiday clubs."

Wiltshire Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by 10 July.

If approved, the new classrooms and facilities could open to pupils by September 2027.

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