The Prior’s Court community is immensely saddened to hear of the death of our inspirational Founding Patron, Dame Stephanie Shirley CH.

It was the vision and passion of Dame Stephanie, a highly successful entrepreneur turned ardent philanthropist, which directly led to the opening of Prior’s Court in 1999.

The flag outside Court House Building at Prior’s Court will be flying at half-mast, in tribute to Dame Stephanie who died at the age of 91 on Saturday (9, August).

Dame Stephanie’s vision and passion came from wanting to build a better future for autistic children, inspired by her own autistic son, Giles.

Following a visit to the Higashi School in Boston, Dame Stephanie, widely and affectionally known as ‘Steve’, was inspired to create a ‘beacon’ school for autistic children.

In 1998 Prior’s Court was acquired and funded with a £15m donation from The Shirley Foundation.

The original grade II* listed Queen Anne House was extensively refurbished, new purpose-built classrooms and accommodation added, and specialist staff hired and trained. The first young people arrived in September 1999 and the school was officially opened by the Princess Royal on 23 May, 2000.

Now 25 years later, more than 250 young people have passed through the gates of Prior’s Court, and thousands of people have been affected by our work.

Ryan Campbell, Prior’s Court Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dame Stephanie’s passionate connection to Prior’s Court did not end when we opened. She was a regular visitor ever since and an even more regular correspondent. Her passion and commitment to provide the very best for autistic young people and their families never dimmed. She remained the heart and foundation of Prior’s Court, as she has been to so many important things which she founded, created and made happen.

“Dame Stephanie truly was a remarkable individual who led a remarkable life. Her loss has been felt keenly at Prior’s Court, and in the autism sector as a whole.

“We are bereft. But her legacy will live on through the achievements of the hundreds of young people Prior’s Court has helped, and the autism expertise of thousands of parents, family members, staff and other professionals Prior’s Court has offered training and knowledge to.

“Her spirit will shine through and continue to show us the way. Dame Stephanie will forever be the inspiration for what we do.”

Dame Stephanie, through The Shirley Foundation, also founded a host of other autism-related charities and enterprises, including Autism at Kingwood, and Autistica.

In 2023, to mark her 90^th birthday, Prior’s Court made a long-form film about Dame Stephanie, her life, her contribution to the autism sector and to Prior’s Court:

Further information about Dame Stephanie’s extraordinary life, her entrepreneurial career, and her philanthropism can be seen on her website.

Please contact the office of Dame Stephanie Shirley for any further information about her life

Prior’s Court will be making no further comment at this time, but will be able to facilitate broadcast interviews with relevant members of our staff.