Prior’s Court School opened quietly on 13 September 1999 when its first two pupils arrived. There was a more formal opening when HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the school on 23 May 2000, pictured. There were already more than 20 staff and fully provisioned facilities. It was my dream realised: the school I would have wanted for my own son with complex autism.

My heart swells with pride as I survey the school today. There have been more than 250 pupils to date. And they have thrived and many now lead fulfilled adult lives.

The Young Adult Provision, with its emphasis on living skills, has helped make these achievements possible. But all parts of the school have made an impact. There have been so many changes over the years. I am thinking particularly of the artisan bakery; and robots Steve and Sam which help with lessons; and now the new Performing Arts Centre. What joy that will bring!

And the wonderful dining hall with its calming acoustics. The newer residences with their flood-proof bathrooms are just fantastic. I also like the way parts of the grounds are allowed to “wilden” and so provide a haven for the birds and the bees. Indeed, the whole site exudes good design, therapeutic care and loving kindness. How else would the staff teams have managed the COVID-19 crisis? Just as well we had the Health & Wellbeing Hub launched and in action by then.

And I do not forget the mosaic memorial to the three staff members, Cathy, Jason and Lorraine, who died in the dreadful minibus accident on the M4 in October 2018.

With 25 years of progress behind us, the school continues to pave the way to a brighter future for its vulnerable young people. My heartfelt thanks go to all the staff: I provided the site but it is they who provide the innovation, expertise and compassion to support the autistic pupils. May all our alumni lead the very best of independent and fulfilled lives.

Dame Stephanie Shirley