Mike Robinson OBE - CEO Expand For the past eleven years Mike has specialised in the Education sector, managing large, complex organisations which include education, care and special needs. He was Managing Director of Cambian Education which has seven residential special schools for children with autism. During his time with Cambian he increased the capacity of their schools with two new facilities and three campus extensions. He was also Managing Director of Acorn Care Schools and Care Division where he introduced a new quality assurance and improvement system, increased Ofsted ratings from one to five outstanding schools and opened an award winning new school and two new children’s homes. He has also worked as a consultant on projects which include special needs services in the Middle East. Mike was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year's Honours List in recognition of his services to children and young people with autism.
Sarah Butcher MBE - Director of Young People's Wellbeing Expand Sarah has more than thirty years’ experience in residential social care, working with children and adults with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex needs. She joined Prior’s Court when it opened in 1999. She is an Advanced Consultant in TEACCH and was instrumental in developing the specialist approach which underpins the autism best practice at Prior’s Court. Sarah has spoken at international conferences in America, China, and India. She is a member of the national social care advisory board for Ofsted. In 2018 Sarah was awarded the honour of MBE by her Majesty the Queen for services to children with special educational needs.
Sue Piper - Director of Young People's Learning Expand Sue has a background in psychology, mainstream and special needs teaching and residential care experience with 25 years spent in the field of autism. Since she joined Prior’s Court nearly 20 years ago, she has worked as a class teacher and training consultant, before becoming a member of the senior management team. Sue completed her headship in 2011 and as the Director of Young People's Learning has overseen the learning for 5-25 year olds at the school. Sue continues to train others in her capacity as an Advanced Consultant TEACCH Trainer and has spoken at international conferences in both America and China.
Nicola Beckley - Project Director - Creating our Future, Marketing and Workforce Planning Expand Nicola joined Prior’s Court in March 2016 and is responsible for leading the 'Creating our Future' project, Marketing and Workforce Planning. Nicola brings over 18 years of experience working in commercial roles across various sectors including healthcare, pharmaceutical, engineering and within the education sector. With a background in HR and General Management, Nicola supports the organisation in achieving its ambitious plans for the future.
Elaine Hudgell - Director of Continuous Improvement – Prior Insight Expand Elaine has been working at Prior’s Court since March 2010 and is currently employed as Director of Continuous Improvement – Prior Insight. Previously Elaine has been employed as our Executive Project Lead for the Prior Insight Project and Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager. Prior to working at Prior’s Court, Elaine spent over 20 years working in residential special schools for young people experiencing emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. She began her career as a support worker and worked up to the position of Registered Manager and Head of Care. She is a registered qualified Social Worker and holds an Advanced Award in Social Work. She completed a Masters’ Degree in higher education and Therapeutic Child Care and holds the Level 4 Health and Social Care Leadership and Management qualification. Elaine has completed the 5 day TEACCH programme.
Karen White - Head of Fundraising Expand Karen joined Prior’s Court in September 2018 and leads the team responsible for securing charitable income from individuals, corporates, trusts and other funders. She had previously worked for a large, national disability charity for more than 10 years, specialising in philanthropy and high value partnerships. Before entering the not for profit sector, she worked for a private family estate in Berkshire and also at the BBC.
Kate Lefever - Head of HR and Training Expand Kate joined Priors Court in May 2019 after gaining over 20 years + experience across a variety of commercial companies including Real Estate, Retail, Healthcare and Management Consultancy. She has a strong HR generalist background working at a strategic and operational level. Her responsibility is to manage and oversee the HR and Learning and Development teams in order to deliver the strategic HR and L&D objectives for Priors Court.
Mark Bailey - Head of Service Management Expand Mark joined Prior’s Court in May 2019 after a broad and successful career in Estates, Capital Projects and Project management. Mark brings a wealth of positive change management experience, working in independent education, commercial and charity sectors. He is responsible for leading Prior’s Courts Estates, IT, Resources and Capital Projects services, supporting the organisation to achieve its key development targets, and significantly improve the lives of Young People with complex autism.
Lynsey Preston - Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Manager Expand Lynsey has over twenty years’ experience of working with young people with autism and complex needs having joined Prior’s Court when it opened in 1999. During this time she has worked in the School as support worker, Head of two residential homes and set up two new residential homes for post 16 students before joining the leadership team as Deputy Head of Care. Her role now encompasses young people across the whole provision.