Skip to content
  • We are a United Trust with a common objective of Supporting Young People from Early Years to Employment with strong Christian values

  • Loyal

  • Compassionate

  • Respectful

  • Kind

  • Professional

  • Responsible

  • Welcome to

    QUEST Trust

    We are a Multi-Academy Trust rooted in kindness, respect, and compassion. Our commitment is to nurture inclusive, high-quality learning environments where every young person can thrive -academically, emotionally, and socially. We recognise and celebrate the unique potential in every child, equipping them with the knowledge, character, and real-world skills they need to succeed in life.

    Our Core Values

  • icon representing Compassionate value

    Compassionate

    Inclusive, empathetic, and deeply supportive of every learner and colleague.

  • icon representing Professional value

    Professional

    Work with integrity, skill, and collaboration.

  • icon representing Respectful value

    Respectful

    Celebrate diversity and uphold dignity at every level.

  • icon representing Loyal value

    Loyal

    United in purpose, devoted to the success and wellbeing of all.

  • icon representing Kind value

    Kind

    Champion care, encouragement, and a growth mindset.

  • icon representing Responsible value

    Responsible

    Take ownership, build trust, and act ethically.

  • Our Family

    Our Evolution

  • ---

    2014/15: A New Beginning

    • On 11 November 2014, QUEST Trust was officially incorporated as a multi-academy trust (MAT).
    • By early 2015, four founding schools came together under QUEST: 
    • St. Peter’s C. of E. Primary School (Hindley) 
    • Hindley Green Community Primary School 
    • St. John’s C. of E. Primary School (Hindley Green) 
    • St. John’s C. of E. Primary School (Abram) 
    • This marked the start of a collaborative, values-driven journey. 
  • Two female students outside the UCS school building

    2020: Growing into Secondary Education

    • On 1 August 2020, UTC Bolton joined QUEST. 
    • This was QUEST’s first secondary and UTC school. 
    • The expansion enabled support for learners from early years through to employment. 
  • 2022/23: Leadership for the Future

    • January 2022: Dr Crispin Alexander Pailing appointed Chair of Trustees. 
    • A period of strategic development and leadership renewal followed. 
    • September 2023: Marc Doyle appointed as CEO and Accounting Officer. 
    • New Trustees and Executive Leaders joined, bringing refreshed direction. 
  • 2023/24 : Ofsted Inspections

    Early 2023 inspections at: 

    • Hindley Green Community Primary School 
    • St. John’s C. of E. Primary School (Hindley Green) 
    • St. John’s C. of E. Primary School (Abram) 
    • Confirmed school progress and set foundations for improvement. 

    In 2024, Ofsted inspected: 

    • St. Peter’s C. of E. Primary School (Hindley) 
    • University Collegiate School (Bolton) 
    • All five settings inspected during this period were rated ‘Good’. 
  • 2025: Today and Beyond

    • QUEST Trust now serves five academies: four primary schools and one extended UTC. 
    • Delivers high-quality education rooted in community and faith. 
    • Strategy remains focused on growth, long-term success, and sustainability. 
  • QUEST at a Glance

    • 0

      Academies

    • 0

    • 0

      Engaged pupils

    • 0

    • 0

      Inspiring staff

    • 0

    What Our Community Says

  • “St. John’s Church of England Primary School is a beacon of hope at the centre of its community.”

    SIAMS Inspection Report, St. John’s C. of E. Primary School, Abram 
  • “Pupils’ learning is enriched by a wide variety of trips and activities. For example, pupils spoke about how much they had enjoyed taking part in adventurous residential visits and singing on stage at a local arena.”

    Ofsted Report, February 2023, St. John’s C. of E. Primary School, Hindley Green 
  • “Pupils with SEND achieve well. Leaders identify pupils’ individual needs quickly and accurately. They work well with parents to gain their views. Teachers provide these pupils with the support they need to learn well alongside their classmates. Leaders use external experts if they need further advice.”

    Ofsted Report, February 2022, St. Peter’s C. of E. Primary School
  • ‘‘HUGE thanks to QUEST Academy Trust and their wonderful schools. I’ve had a great week visiting staff at University Collegiate School, St Peters C of E Primary and Hindley Green Community Primary. I’ve been made to feel at home through their warmth and kindness and totally blown away by their reflective and progressive practice. Thanks so much to Laura James for coordinating the visits and for all of your hard work on steering trust-wide practice’’

    Jayne Lowe - on her visit to QUEST Schools
  • “Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff work with parents and external professionals to ensure that help is provided in a timely manner.”

    Ofsted Report, July 2023, Play Pals
  • “Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum. It is aspirational for pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND. Pupils rise to these expectations and behave well. They follow the same curriculum as their peers, with activities that are adapted where appropriate. Parents and carers are fully involved in the process.”

    Ofsted Report, January 2023, Hindley Green Community Primary School
  • “I would encourage any school who are looking to set up a high-quality internal provision to visit the IAP at University Collegiate School.”

    Bolton Impact Trust, School Visit Feedback