Major school expansion to go ahead thanks to Dyson

A major school expansion has been approved after an "unbelievably generous" donation by James Dyson, who hopes to inspire the engineers of the future.

The £7.8m gift will fund a new science and technology centre at Malmesbury C of E Primary School after Wiltshire Council approved the plans on Wednesday.

Nine new classrooms and a multi-purpose hall are set to be built, creating space for 200 additional pupils. Leaders are hoping the work will be completed by September 2027.

Steve Heal, head teacher of Malmesbury C of E Primary School, said: "Sir James Dyson has been unbelievably generous. This is an unprecedented investment in a primary school and a wonderful gift to our town."

Previously, Wiltshire Council had concerns about the expansion's impact on neighbouring schools.

But Malmesbury Primary said it would "explore every opportunity to share the benefits" of the project.

"I'm delighted that Wiltshire Council has given this scheme their full and unequivocal backing," Sir James said. "I look forward to seeing the project under way in the coming weeks."

Under the plans, specialist Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories with laser cutters, 3D printers, virtual reality headsets and hands-on learning equipment will be built.

Juliet Charman, global head of the James Dyson Foundation, said the approval came after four years of work.

She added: "A significant part of this will be kitting out the STEAM classrooms and developing a STEAM curriculum to bring hands-on learning to local students, supported by high-tech equipment.

"The aim is to inspire the engineers of the future, and set a standard for primary school STEAM education in the UK."

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