The Government has approved a donation of £6 million from Sir James Dyson to fund the expansion of a local state primary school, Malmesbury Anglican Primary School in Wiltshire, near Dyson’s research and development campus, despite concerns about the potential impact on nearby schools.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced the approval on Monday, revealing that the donation will fund a ‘first class’ Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEM) center, additional classrooms, and space for 210 more pupils, with an opening date in September 2027, subject to planning permission by Wiltshire Council, bringing the total capacity to 630 students.
The James Dyson Foundation, which is responsible for the donation, has not officially welcomed the approval and is considering the details of the decision carefully.
In a letter to the Times last year, Mr Dyson expressed his disappointment with his charity’s donations being blocked and described the difficulty of getting things done in the UK.
This claim was denied by Downing Street, but local opposition from Laura Mays, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, suggested that there is already enough space in three local schools to meet demand.
Reports indicate that many employees at Dyson’s UK headquarters in Malmesbury would like to send their children to the school, but the current size does not accommodate this.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed her appreciation for the generous donation from the Dyson Foundation, emphasizing the support it will provide for local students and the development of future scientists and engineers.
Malmesbury Primary School’s headteacher, Steve Heal, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support, highlighting the long journey to reach this point and the innovative curriculum created in collaboration with Dyson.
Laura Mays, following the government’s announcement, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for all students and assured that the council will work with all parties involved to ensure the best outcome for all students.
Former education secretary Kenneth Baker supported Dyson’s efforts and questioned the government’s decision to reject the proposal, suggesting that it could discourage other industries and entrepreneurs from investing in technical education in schools.
Source: www.theguardian.com
