AN MP discussed how the expansion of Malmesbury Primary School could benefit pupils in the wider area at a meeting this morning.

North Wiltshire MP James Gray met with Baroness Diana Barran MBE, minister for the School System and Student Finance, today, Wednesday, February 7 to discuss the expansion of the primary school following the government's green light of Sir James Dyson's £6 million donation. 

The meeting took place at Department for Education's office in London.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan approved the donation from the billionaire inventor's foundation to build a centre for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) centre, seven classrooms and a school hall at Malmesbury Primary School on Monday, January 22.

The Department for Education said that the new centre could open in September 2027 if planning permission is approved by Wiltshire Council.

The North Wiltshire MP has welcomed Dyson's generous donation but met with the minister today to discuss how the expansion could benefit the wider community and not reduce pupil numbers at other primary schools in the Malmesbury area, a concern Wiltshire Council raised when the donation was first pledged.

Mr Gray said: “I have welcomed the previously announced £6 million of investment by Sir James Dyson into Malmesbury Primary School on the condition that it benefits the entire community and does not squeeze student numbers at other local and village schools like Lea and Garsdon and Crudwell.

“It was useful to be able to discuss these concerns with the minister and to make clear that an understanding should be in place amongst local schools as soon as possible."