The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 81% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 37.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2024
- 34% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
37.5
6.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
23%
18.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
58%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.18
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
89%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 144 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 80 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 903
- Capacity
- 81%
- FSM
- 33.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Croydon
- Trust
- THE COLLEGIATE TRUST
- Head
- Mr Andy Crofts (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
June 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
June 2015 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
February 2014 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2013 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2012 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8HD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGilbert Scott Primary School
Primary · Very close
Quest Primary School
Primary · Very close
Red Gates School
Special school · 356m away
Selsdon Primary and Nursery School
Primary · 610m away
Forestdale Primary School
Primary · 742m away
Courtwood Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Greenvale Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Royal Russell School
Independent · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Quest Academy a selective school?
No. The Quest Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Quest Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Quest Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in March 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Quest Academy?
The Quest Academy currently has 903 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Quest Academy take?
The Quest Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Quest Academy?
The Quest Academy is in South Croydon, CR2 8HD, in the Croydon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Quest Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Quest Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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