Downe House School and Prior’s Court partner to fund new opportunities for autistic young people

A school and charity have raised £10,000 to provide new opportunities for autistic young people.

The new partnership between Prior’s Court and AGS House, one of the boarding houses at Downe House School in Cold Ash, began at black-tie ‘AGS At Home’ fundraising evening on November 16.

Prior’s Court’s Play Equipment Appeal was the beneficiary of the evening, after being chosen by students in the house.

But more initiatives are planned.

Over the course of next year, the school and charity plan to host ‘getting to know us’ days, volunteering days at Prior’s Court, expert talks and a special presentation about the charity’s founder Dame Stephanie Shirley.

Prior’s Court fundraising manager Natalie Norris said: “We’ve had students from Downe House School visit us over the past year for activities and school staff have said how impactful those visits have been for them.

“So, we’re really excited to see what this partnership will bring.

“As near neighbours, it is a great opportunity for both organisations where we hope to inspire the students in AGS house, help the autistic young people we support through fundraising and volunteering, and give new opportunities and experiences for both sides.”

Ruth Kingston, housemistress of AGS, added: “AGS is thrilled to have this opportunity of creating a close relationship with Prior’s Court.

“The girls have started to volunteer and have found helping the community extremely rewarding. They are also creating a Christmas song which has been so much fun.”

The ‘AGS At Home’ event came three days after a volunteering visit by Downe House students to Prior’s Court, where they supported the efforts of the autism charity’s grounds team to clear leaves across the site.