'I read my first book when I was about 33'

TV chef Jamie Oliver confronts the Government and schools to fight for a better understanding of dyslexia in his new documentary

- WORDS: LAURA CARRENO-MÜLLER

Jamie Oliver has a bone to pick with the British education system. In his latest film, the celebrity chef, author and outspoken advocate is taking his lifelong struggles with dyslexia public in a bold new way.

He lifts the lid on how the education system is failing neurodivergent children - and confronts Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson in a fierce campaign.

"Our young people deserve better," he says in the documentary. "We want truly inclusive schools where every child can thrive."

Although he's now a best-selling author of more than 20 cookbooks, Jamie's own school experience was shaped by shame as he was placed in special needs classes for five years.

"I really struggled to read in primary school," he says. "I read my first [book] when I was about 33."

Leaving education behind was a relief. "When I left school, it was, 'Good riddance,'" he admits. "I expected very little of myself because success in school is built on things a dyslexic brain isn’t good at."

Now 50, Jamie still grapples with challenges many do with ease. "My inner voice isn't as confident when I'm reading," he says. "My eyes aren’t really tracking well. Some days are better than others. I’m better when I’m less tired."