The Quest Academy
903%
Capacity
903
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About The Quest Academy
Just over half of parents responding to the most recent Ofsted survey said they would recommend The Quest Academy to another parent, a figure that sits alongside a school that is heavily oversubscribed. The school in Croydon operates at 903 pupils against a stated capacity of 100, which suggests demand significantly outstrips supply. In its most recent graded inspection in 2022, Ofsted rated the school Good overall, with a standout Outstanding grade for personal development. Behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and the quality of education were all judged Good. The school serves a community with high levels of disadvantage — 45 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals — and it has a dedicated SEND provision focused on social, emotional and mental health needs.
Academically, the school’s Progress 8 score of -1.55 is well below the national average and places it 22nd out of 22 secondary schools in Croydon, in the bottom percentile locally. This is significantly weaker than the local authority average Progress 8 score of -0.04. Attainment 8 sits at 10.3, and just 11.8 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths. No pupils entered the EBacc combination of subjects, and the EBacc average point score is 0.39. The school’s progress in maths is close to the national average at 0.06, but English progress is -2.13 and the open element of the Progress 8 measure is -2.05. There is no sixth form provision, so pupils move on elsewhere after Year 11.
The school offers a broad range of facilities including a swimming pool, theatre, sports hall, art studios and music rooms, and runs clubs such as eco club, film club and coding. Sports on offer include football, rugby, gymnastics and cricket. The school is non-religious and mixed, and its headteacher is Andy Crofts. Given its strong oversubscription but very low academic outcomes, this is a school that may suit families who prioritise personal development and a supportive environment over traditional academic metrics. The nearest Outstanding-rated school is Whitgift School, 2.9 km away, which is an independent school. For families in Croydon seeking a state secondary with strong pastoral care and a wide range of activities, The Quest Academy is worth considering, though the academic results are a clear concern.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon, Croydon, CR2 8HD |
| Headteacher | Andy Crofts |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 903 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 45.0% |
| School Capacity | 903 / 100 (903% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 3 Apr 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.55)
3103rd of 3,141
Nationally
482nd of 487
In London
22nd of 22
In Croydon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Among the highest-disadvantage schools.
Below most schools — predominantly English as first language.
Ethnic background
- White British83.0%
- Mixed11.0%
- White (other)2.0%
- Asian1.0%
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Attendance & Behaviour
2024/2575% of schools in England do better than this.
75% of schools in England do better than this.
Pupils missing 10% or more of sessions.
Half of schools in England do better than this.
A pupil temporarily sent home for behaviour.
Like most schools in England, no pupils were permanently excluded this year.
Ranks vs all state-funded schools in England. Source: DfE Pupil absence in schools & Suspensions and permanent exclusions.
Catchment & Local Competition
No catchment data published for this school
The dashed grey ring is a generic 1-mile reference area — it's not an admission boundary. Real catchment depends on year, demand, and council criteria. We currently have real data for about 6% of UK schools and are actively expanding the database.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1 mile is a fixed reference, not this school's catchment.
6
Total schools
5
Oversubscribed
5
Primary
Don’t use the dashed grey ring as a catchment boundary — it’s a reference area for counting nearby schools only. Real admission boundaries depend on year-by-year demand and council criteria; ask the school or council for authoritative info.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Quest Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
Contact Information
Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon
Croydon, CR2 8HD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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