On 2 October, we were delighted to officially rename the farmhouse at Jamie’s Farm Lewes as Fonthill Farmhouse, recognising the extraordinary support of the Fonthill Foundation.
Their transformational contribution helped us purchase Allington Farm in 2025, securing a permanent home for Jamie’s Farm in Lewes and helping ensure that thousands more young people can benefit from our programme in the years to come.
For many young people, the farmhouse is where their Jamie’s Farm journey begins. It’s where relationships are built, confidence grows and a sense of belonging takes root. Naming this special place after the Fonthill Foundation is a lasting way of recognising a partnership that will continue to shape young lives for generations.
A permanent home for Jamie’s Farm Lewes
The Fonthill Foundation has long championed opportunities that help young people develop confidence, resilience and connection. Jamie’s Farm’s unique blend of farming, therapeutic support and family life made it a natural fit.
Importantly, the Foundation’s support has not only secured the future of the farm itself, but has also enabled schools across East Sussex and Brighton to access Jamie’s Farm residential visits over several years, ensuring more young people can benefit from experiences centered on purpose, belonging and reflection.
To celebrate the occasion, trustees and representatives from the Foundation, including CEO Ceetah Grieves, Chair of Trustees Victoria Henley and Vice Chair Maggie Lloyd, joined Jamie’s Farm Co-CEO Jake Curtis, founder Tish Feilden and Chair Philip Percival to unveil a new farmhouse sign and permanent information board marking the partnership.
Celebrating the partnership
Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Jake Curtis, Co-CEO of Jamie’s Farm, said:
“The Fonthill Foundation’s support gave us the confidence and security to establish a permanent future for Jamie’s Farm in Lewes. Its commitment has enabled not only the purchase and development of the farm, but also direct access for young people from local schools to benefit from our programme. Naming the farmhouse after Fonthill is our way of recognising a partnership that will continue to make a lasting difference for many years to come. We are proud to carry forward the legacy of Fonthill Lodge School and feel privileged that the strong alignment between its ethos and that of Jamie’s Farm has inspired such a transformative donation.”
As Ceetah Grieves explains: “Jamie’s Farm felt like a very special fit for Fonthill. Over the years, we had seen first-hand the difference it can make to young people facing significant challenges, and the powerful sense of community it creates. When the opportunity arose to help secure a permanent home for Jamie’s Farm in Lewes, it felt like a wonderful way to carry forward the ethos that has always meant so much to Fonthill. For me personally, it is very moving to know that this place will continue to support young people for many years to come. To now see the Fonthill name on the farmhouse itself makes that especially meaningful. We are incredibly proud to have played a part in making this possible and grateful to everyone at Jamie’s Farm and our Board of Trustees for helping bring the project to life.”
Creating opportunities for young people
The impact of this support is already being seen by schools across the region. One of those schools is Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), whose students regularly attend residential visits at Jamie’s Farm Lewes.
Jack Davies, Principal at BACA, said:
“Jamie’s Farm offers a truly transformative experience for our students. The programme provides a safe and supportive environment in which young people can build confidence, develop resilience, strengthen relationships and discover a greater sense of purpose. At BACA, we are committed to helping every student achieve a purposeful and fulfilling future, and Jamie’s Farm is an important partner in achieving that goal.”
We are hugely grateful to everyone at the Fonthill Foundation for helping secure the future of Jamie’s Farm Lewes. Their support will enable thousands more young people to experience the belonging, purpose and opportunity that life on the farm can offer for many years to come.
