Celebrating Quest for Learning’s Impact This Christmas

This afternoon’s Christmas drinks with Quest for Learning were an absolute joy. We were welcomed into Heather and Adam’s beautiful barn conversion in Blewbury, complete with a spectacular double-height Christmas tree that set the tone perfectly – festive, elegant, and full of warmth.

I first came across Chris Higgins, Quest for Learning’s Chief Executive, a little over a year ago when I worked with him through Oxfordshire’s Charity Mentors programme. Even then, as he was finding his footing in the role, it was clear just how deeply he cared about the children this charity supports. Seeing him now, leading with such assurance and purpose, is truly brilliant.

Since 1995, Quest for Learning has been working to close the gap in English and maths between Oxfordshire’s most disadvantaged primary-age children and their better-off peers. Too many young people start their school journeys already facing significant barriers – limited English, little support at home, missed learning through illness or family circumstance. Confidence slips, engagement drops, and schools, stretched to the limit, often struggle to offer the intensive help that’s needed.

Two things are absolutely clear. First, if children don’t catch up by the time they leave primary school, the chances of doing so later are slim. And second, Quest for Learning has the expertise, evidence and dedication to make that catch-up not only possible but lasting.

Their programmes – from ReadingQuest and BookQuest to their hugely effective maths resources – are delivered by trained, experienced tutors working directly in schools across Oxfordshire. Many of these partnerships are long-standing, built on trust and a shared desire to help children thrive. Last year alone, they worked in more than 25 schools, and the results are deeply compelling. If you haven’t yet read their impact report, it’s well worth a look.

Chris captures it perfectly: “Too many children grow up facing barriers that limit their chances of success in school and beyond. We work to change this by equipping children with the skills and confidence they need not just to catch up, but to thrive.”

Quest for Learning is proudly child-centred, empowering and evidence-led, and their involvement with the Fair Education Alliance helps ensure that Oxfordshire’s voice is part of the national conversation on educational disadvantage.

It was a wonderfully uplifting afternoon – thoughtful conversations, passionate people, and a clear sense of purpose running through everything. As we left Blewbury, I found myself genuinely inspired by the team’s dedication and by the knowledge that their work is quietly transforming children’s life chances across our county.

If you’re in a position to support them, you’ll be helping to give some of Oxfordshire’s most disadvantaged pupils the confidence, skills and opportunities they deserve.