We are pleased to share that Mike Robinson Prior’s Court’s Chief Executive was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List.   

This award is in recognition of his services to children and young people with autism and acknowledges all the great work done at Prior’s Court. 

Mike, who lives in Somerset, joined Prior’s Court in July 2015. In his time at the helm Prior’s Court has: 

• achieved multiple “good” or “outstanding” ratings in Ofsted and CQC inspection,  
• launched a bespoke ‘big data’ platform, Prior Insight, with the potential for transforming how autism is understood as a condition, 
• written, recorded and published an “anthem for autism” – Let Me Shine – which was then re-recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, accompanied with an award-winning documentary, 
• opened a ground-breaking commercial bakery, Bread & Beyond, 
• opened four new award-winning residential homes, The Seasons, 
• welcomed its 200th student. 

In addition to these, Mike’s leadership has led Prior’s Court through extremely challenging periods for the organisation, including responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and the tragic minibus accident in 2018. 

Mike said:

I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. I do so on behalf of all the amazing people at Prior’s Court, who work tirelessly to transform the lives of young people impacted by complex autism.

Career highlights 

Mike has taken an unusual route into the world of Special Educational Needs, having been marketing director of Colman’s Mustard, worked in the wine trade and run a logistics company.  Twenty years ago, a role with a children’s publisher sparked his passion for education, which has led to senior leadership positions both abroad and in the UK.  

Mike added:

I am extremely lucky to have had an incredibly varied and enjoyable career, which has led to the opportunity to truly transform the lives of young people with complex autism and their families – undoubtedly the best job I have ever had!