Dyson wins “battle” to donate £6m to local school

One of the West’s leading businessmen has been given permission to make a £6m donation to a local primary school.

Sir James Dyson, one of the region’s wealthiest men, wrote a public letter saying his plans to donate the cash to Malmesbury Primary School had been a battle.

He was hoping the school would use the funding to add a new science, technology, engineering, art and maths centre to its site.

But Wiltshire Council had been concerned about what an expansion would mean for neighbouring schools.

Sir James Dyson wrote to The Times newspaper describing his attempts to donate the money as a “battle”.

Laura Mayes, Wiltshire’s cabinet member for children’s services, explained that while they had a plan for future demand in the area already, “we now have the government’s final decision and we will work with everyone involved to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for all our pupils.”

The extension is now expected to be open to pupils in just over three years’ time.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “This new centre will provide world-class facilities for pupils in Malmesbury and the surrounding areas to inspire them and develop the skills we need to compete on the world stage.”