The Quest Academy
South Croydon, CR2 8HD · Croydon · secondary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 23 secondary schools in Croydon we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.6/10 against 579 of them, against 2.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 35.4 · 25 | 30% | 0.76 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.35 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 40.5 · 22 | 10% | 0.22 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Quest Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 23.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 37.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.35 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (1.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Combined Cadet Force. Trips include visits to Rochester Castle, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the Museum of London, the V&A, the Science Museum, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Berlin.
Getting in
The published school roll is 853 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,115. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating from the 2024 inspection? How do the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh programmes integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Quest Academy
Overview
The inspection found that while the school has designed an "ambitious curriculum," it is not consistently realised in classrooms for Years 7 to 11, resulting in low attainment. Conversely, sixth-form students benefit from a "well-taught curriculum" and achieve well. Overall effectiveness is judged as "Requires improvement," though behaviour and personal development are rated "Good."
Strengths
- Sixth-form provision is "Good," with teachers demonstrating "expert knowledge" and setting "demanding tasks" that consolidate knowledge.
- Behaviour is generally "Good"; pupils "very rarely disrupt the learning of others" and understand expectations.
- Leaders provide thoughtful enrichment, including a rotation of activities like cycling and theatre, plus educational trips to promote "cultural development."
- Attendance has seen "clear improvements" due to well-targeted actions following the pandemic.
- Personal development is "Good," with a carefully planned PSHE curriculum covering relationships and consent, alongside timely careers guidance.
Areas to improve
- Teaching in Years 7 to 11 lacks "sufficiently high aspirations," causing pupils to "switch off" and achieve poorly; staff require focused training to implement the curriculum effectively.
- There is insufficient emphasis on checking understanding and memory, meaning "misconceptions are not tackled," hindering progress through the curriculum.
- The governing body’s oversight is diluted by a lack of "clear understanding of its role," reducing its effectiveness in holding the school to account.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.8 |
| 2024/25 | 37.5 |
| 2025/26 | 40.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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