Students at Malmesbury School have been offered an opportunity of a lifetime by Sir James Dyson.

The James Dyson Foundation, set up in 2002 to support engineering education projects, medical research charities and charity projects in the Malmesbury area, is providing a new £36,000 scholarship to support one Malmesbury School student.

It is open those applying to study science, technology, engineering, product design or maths at university this year.

The scholarship will pay for tuition fees for the duration of their course, up to four years, and expands upon the foundation’s existing bursary scheme running at Malmesbury School for sixth form design and technology students.

Tim Gilson, Malmesbury School head teacher, said: “The James Dyson Foundation scholarship will further raise the profile of science, design, engineering and maths within the school.

“As a specialist maths and science school we understand the importance of these subjects as foundations for challenging careers in science and engineering.

“The partnership we have with The James Dyson Foundation is invaluable for the students and the school. We hope it will continue.”

To apply for the scholarship, students must fill in a form detailing their subject choices and describing their favourite invention.

In addition to the new scholarship, each year the foundation supports six Malmesbury School design and technology students in the sixth form.

The bursary includes mentoring from Dyson engineers and financial support for the young design engineers’ projects.

This was introduced following the closure of the Education Maintenance Allowance to support sixth form students throughout their study.

The foundation also recently donated state-of-the-art design and technology equipment, including a 3D printer and laser cutter, to the school. This allows students to experience professional design engineering methods in the classroom.

Local causes, including the Malmesbury Carnival and Malmesbury flood appeal, have also benefited from the foundation. The flood appeal received £5,000 and those whose houses were flooded received donations of new Dyson vacuum cleaners.

A spokesperson for Dyson said: “We are very keen to continue building a relationship with Malmesbury and the school. The area is very close to James’ heart.”