I am extremely grateful to all staff who gave their time, over and above what would be expected, to ensure that my son achieved as well as he did. 
Jack Petchey
History of The Foundation
The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 to support young people aged 11-25 through programmes in schools and youth organisations.
Since its formation over £50 million has been distributed.
The aim of the charity is to support projects to enable young people to achieve their potential and contribute to society.
The Jack Petchey Foundation celebrated its 9th anniversary in 2008. The following has been achieved during this period:
- Grants totalling over £50million have been given to youth and school projects.
- The achievements of over 60,000 young people have been recognised and rewarded through our Achievement Award Scheme.
- Almost 2,000 schools and clubs in London and Essex currently participate in the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme.
- Nearly all the uniformed youth organisations in London and Essex benefit from grants.
- Sponsorship of many overseas/community projects including; Fulcrum Challenge, Raleigh International, Groundwork East London.
- Over £4 million has been given to support ‘Out of School Hours’ or ‘Study Support’ programmes in various Boroughs.
- £500,000 given to establish the ‘Centre for Entrepreneurship’ at the University of East London.
- £1 million to support the Summer Uni programme in all London boroughs - matching the London Challenge grant.
- Supported young homeless people through the Petchey Foyer in Barking & Dagenham, due to open in 2009.
- Made a major contribution to education in Hackney through the Petchey Academy.
What is the Achievement Award Scheme?
Jack Petchey is one of the UK's most successful businessmen. Born in East London in July 1925, Jack came from a working class background with very few advantages. From an early age he showed the entrepreneurial skills that have aided his success.
- This popular programme now operates in approximately 2,000 schools, colleges and youth organisations throughout London and Essex.
- The scheme contributes millions of pounds each year to support youth work in London and Essex.
- The Achievement Award Scheme aims to enable schools, colleges and youth organisations to recognise, reward and celebrate the achievements of their young people.
- Jack Petchey wants young people to raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make a contribution to their society.
- Achievement Awards are designed to recognise a wide range of achievement, it is not just about being clever, or gifted, but about putting the effort in and doing your best.
- The scheme works well because young people themselves are involved in nominating and selecting the winners.
- In addition to the Achievement Awards, the Young People may choose to nominate an adult leader for an annual Leader Award.
- This is a positive way to publicly recognise the efforts of adults who have made a significant contribution to young people.
Who is Jack Petchey?
Jack Petchey is one of the UK's most successful businessmen. Born in East
London in July 1925, Jack came from a working class background with very few
advantages. From an early age he showed the entrepreneurial skills that have
aided his success.
In 1937 a 12-year-old Jack was prosecuted at East Ham Magistrates Court for working under age. The prosecution evidence was that Jack was carrying vegetables, ie tomatoes, the defence being that tomatoes were a fruit - not a vegetable. The case was dismissed!
"You'll never make a businessman"!
Having left school at 14 Jack worked as an office boy before joining the Fleet Air Arm in 1943. At the end of the Second World War Jack left the Navy and became a clerk. He applied for a management position but was told by the personnel officer of his firm: "you'll never make a businessman"!
So Jack Petchey decided to go it alone. With £60 to his name, he bought a motor car and founded his first Car Hire business. From there a thriving Car Sales business was formed. Jack eventually branched into property and in 1969 was introduced to the idea of a holiday complex in the Algarve, Portugal, which he still runs to this day.
Having just celebrated his 83rd birthday, there is no sign of Jack Petchey slowing down. He currently manages Petchey Holdings Plc and Petchey Leisure, a management company for several holiday resorts in Spain, Portugal and the UK.
In 1999, he set up the Jack Petchey Foundation as he wanted to give opportunities to young people in London. Over the last nine years he has donated over £50million to schools, clubs and projects which benefit young people in London. In 2004 Jack was awarded an OBE at Buckingham Palace, by Her Majesty The Queen.
