Fifteen Foundation is a registered charity (number 1094536), founded in 2002, to take forward Jamie Oliver’s vision of offering young people a unique opportunity to change their lives by becoming chefs.

In late 2002, Channel 4 broadcast the hugely popular TV show Jamie’s Kitchen, which followed Jamie’s attempts to set up a restaurant with an apprenticeship for young people right at its heart.

Since then, millions of people all over the planet have watched the highs and lows, the traumas, and the eventual triumphs, as Fifteen opened for business to great acclaim. Fifteen is now one of London’s most popular and successful restaurants. Wholly owned by the foundation, the restaurant is a place where our young people learn and also the generator of the money which helps fund that learning. Jamie is a trustee of the foundation and is as passionate about Fifteen now as he was five years ago.

The foundation is keen to help as many young people as we can so, to this end, has grown the Fifteen concept beyond London. In December 2004, Fifteen Amsterdam opened, followed by Fifteen Cornwall in May 2006 and Fifteen Melbourne in September 2006. All four Fifteen restaurants offer a second chance to young people in their communities.

Each Fifteen restaurant has its own local identity and works to support its surrounding area. Once a location has been found, a charity is set up to fund and run the apprenticeship. All four restaurants pass up profits to their foundations.

In 2006, Fifteen Foundation created an events company, Fifteen Events (formerly Fifteen to You), and, through Fifteen Ventures, has invested in one of the London graduates’ business ideas.

 The foundation stands alongside young people from the moment they are recruited, when they graduate, and when they are ready to start their own business.

 Fifteen Foundation requires your help to continue offering such a great chance to young people. Please make a donation now by clicking here.