“I just want to look 13 year old kids – who are struggling with reading – in the eye and say to them “you are NOT worthless…” – Jamie Oliver
Published: January 15, 2025 — As one of the UK’s well-known dyslexics, Jamie Oliver will ask the Government whether more can be done to fix the education system in a powerful documentary for Channel 4.
In the hour-long show, Jamie will delve into some of the challenges and issues that are still faced by an estimated 870,000 children with dyslexia across Britain. These children, trapped by an archaic education system, need a level playing field to unlock their self-confidence and potential.
Teachers, charities, parents and children want a Government intervention. They want an education system that stops children with dyslexia disengaging from education and the wider impact this can have.
This is a documentary of hope. Despite struggling with dyslexia and leaving school with two GCSE’s, Jamie is an example of how we all learn and flourish differently. The programme will follow Jamie as he learns how our school system be reconfigured to celebrate diversity of thinking and what constitutes success, and he will campaign the government to make the changes needed.
Jamie Oliver says, “It’s no secret I struggled at school, but I was one of the lucky ones. I knew I wanted to be a chef, so I had somewhere to go, catering school, where I could thrive. The kitchen genuinely saved me. But not everyone is as lucky as me – what happens to those who don’t know where to go? We can’t leave kids’ futures up to luck. We need the education system to update, so everyone has the best possible chance in life.”
Tim Hancock, commissioning editor at Channel 4 says, “There’s surely no more powerful or effective campaigner in the UK than Jamie, and now he’s turning his expertise to a subject extremely close to his heart, and in dire need of his help. I’m thrilled that Channel 4 is following him back on the campaign trail, using his reputation to influence the social issues he thinks are most important in the country right now.”
Commissioned by Tim Hancock, C4. For Jamie Oliver Productions, Produced and Directed by Jane Mingay, Executive Producer: Samantha Beddoes and Assistant Producer: Julia Whitehouse
Source
Channel 4
