Inspiring Young Chefs for the Future

Geoffrey Harrison Foundation Partners with Burton and South Derbyshire College to expand Junior Chef Academy.

We are thrilled to announce that our charity, the Geoffrey Harrison Foundation, is partnering with Burton and South Derbyshire College to fund new Junior Chef Academy courses, building on the success of our previous programs.

This partnership enables us to support even more young people in developing skills and education for future careers in hospitality. The Junior Chef Academy, designed for students in years 9, 10, and 11, provides hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. Participants gain expertise in food preparation, cooking, presentation, hygiene, safety, teamwork, and food service techniques.

Burton and South Derbyshire College has three courses planned for the academic year. Gareth Harrison, our Joint Managing Director, recently attended the first graduation event, where students prepared and served a delicious three-course meal to their parents and guardians at the Mulberry Fine Dining restaurant. The students were awarded certificates of achievement in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Lizzy Wootton, Course Leader at Burton and South Derbyshire College, said: “Seeing the enthusiasm and progress of our Junior Chefs Academy students has been incredibly rewarding. Over the week, they’ve built real confidence in the kitchen and gained skills that will stay with them for years to come. I’m so proud of how each young chef rose to the challenge and showcased their talent at the graduation lunch.”

Gareth Harrison said: “This new partnership with the college presents an exciting opportunity to build on the success of previous Junior Chef courses. The Foundation was established with a simple belief: every young person should have the chance to learn to cook, gain confidence, and develop valuable life skills for the future.”