On 1st July 2019, Primary QuEST Multi Academy Trust was formed. The Trust had been in existence in an informal capacity as Primary QuEST since 2011 when Highnam, Redmarley and Staunton and Corse Church of England Academies became stand-alone academies. The outward facing nature of the academies has enabled quality CPD provision for staff and vibrant curriculum learning opportunities for our pupils.

The Trust was set up with the clear vision of developing a MAT vision and structure whilst retaining the identity and uniqueness of each of the academies. In the areas of finance, governance, reporting and professional development in particular, Primary QuEST has made significant progress and demonstrated good practice. This was why in 2018 Hartpury C of E Primary Academy decided to join Primary QuEST and the plans for a multi-academy trust.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Primary QuEST Multi Academy Trust, I have been in the privileged position to help shape and embed the MAT vision in the initial stages of its inception. I have worked collaboratively across the PQ group of Academies and sought to support pupils and staff on their journey through life. Whilst we will develop efficiencies together I also believe that it is vital to retain the individuality of the Academies, what works for one Academy doesn’t mean what is best for another.

However, there are many areas where consistency will help deliver excellence, particularly in financial practice and teaching and learning, and the goal for the Trust is to get the right blend of uniqueness and autonomy to ensure that Primary QuEST is an outstanding MAT for all stakeholders.  I am certain that the next few years will be an exciting time for the children, families and staff at all Primary QuEST Academies.

At the centre of all our plans is the culture we wish to maintain as a MAT, based on Christian values and achieved through: collaboration, raising aspirations and exploring new ideas. We are a MAT which works together to get the best out of everyone, including the staff, and which wishes to become a beacon of excellence in all areas, including finance and governance. We want to make a positive difference, and this also extends to supporting the education of local pupils outside of the Trust, using our expertise to raise standards and bring about lasting improvement.

We are dedicated to guiding, supporting and improving our academies, ensuring a clear focus on improving leadership, governance, teaching and learning and raising standards for all.

I look forward to working with all the academies and all stakeholders to ensure our work has a positive impact on everyone within the Primary QuEST MAT.

Stephen Dean, Chief Executive Officer