A course at the training restaurant of Thames Valley University

I'll try different foods now: Bradley Davis, 15, was a complete beginner when he came on the course. Now he's confident in the kitchen and is considering a career in catering Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Saturday job: If it weren't for the course, Lauren Sherbourne, 19, says she would probably be doing a Saturday job rather than studying for a degree and teaching kids how to run a restaurant Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Qualified: Ella Sweales,15, got a qualification from the course, which she believes will give her a head start if she decides to pursue a career in catering Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Fruity: Children from Uxbridge high learn about different types of fruit Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Confidence: Children on the courses learn new skills and gain confidence from learning how to cook Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Diet and health: Professor David Foskett, who helped set up the course, says children no longer make the link between diet and health Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Shiny new kitchens: Thames Valley has sparkling facilities but many schools no longer have the equipment to teach children how to cook Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian