The Quest Academy opened in September 2010, replacing Selsdon High School on its original site and marking the beginning of a new chapter for education in the local community. From the outset, the school was built on a strong foundation of ambition and high expectations for all students.

It was initially sponsored by the Coloma Trust and overseen by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, whose ethos of service, care and aspiration helped to shape the school’s early identity and values. The founding Principal, Andy Crofts (2010 – present), has provided consistent leadership since the school’s opening, guiding its development and ensuring a clear vision centred on student success. During this time, the CEO of the Coloma Trust was Maureen Martin OBE, whose wider leadership supported the academy’s early growth and direction.

A significant milestone came in 2014 with the completion and opening of the new school building. This investment provided modern, high-quality learning environments and facilities designed to support both academic achievement and personal development. Alongside this, Croydon Council redeveloped Monks Hill Sport Centre, creating outstanding shared facilities for both the school and the wider community. These include a four-court sports hall, a large astroturf and 3G pitches, reinforcing the school’s commitment to physical education, wellbeing and community engagement.

In June 2018, The Quest Academy joined the Collegiate Trust, becoming part of a wider family of primary and secondary schools across Croydon and Crawley. This partnership has enabled greater collaboration, shared expertise and a collective drive to deliver an exceptional standard of education for all students.

The school’s motto, Learning Changes Lives, has remained central throughout its journey. It reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education to open doors, raise aspirations and positively shape the future life chances of every young person.