Catalyst Academies Trust
Quarry Hill Academy
Overview
Quarry Hill Academy is a high-achieving school with a clear mission: to provide the very best environment for every pupil to learn, persevere, and succeed. Before joining Catalyst Academies Trust, academic performance was below national expectations. In 2015, the school became the trust’s third sponsored school, determined to prove that pupils in Thurrock could achieve outstanding results in English, Maths, and Science.
Through a determined, high-expectations culture, the school transformed rapidly. Within just 18 months, Quarry Hill improved its Ofsted judgement from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ - a rating maintained in January 2023.
Today, Quarry Hill continues to set ambitious targets, deliver consistently high-quality teaching, and exceed national expectations at both key stages. The school’s ethos ensures every child, regardless of background or starting point, reaches their full potential.
A Catalyst for Outstanding Achievement
Challenge:
Quarry Hill faced a legacy of below-national results, particularly in core subjects. Raising academic outcomes and fostering a culture of aspiration were key priorities.
Solution:
Catalyst Academies Trust worked with leaders to develop a rigorous, knowledge-rich curriculum tailored to pupils’ needs. Staff training, led in-house, raised the quality of teaching and built a shared growth mind-set across the school. Investment in specialist provision, enrichment activities, and high expectations for all ensured rapid improvement.
Results & impact:
- Ofsted rating: Improved from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ in 18 months; retained in 2023.
- Academic performance: Outcomes in English, Maths, and Science consistently above national averages.
- SEND provision: Personalised Learning Centre 2 supports pupils with EHCPs to successfully reintegrate into mainstream education.
- Culture: Embedded ethos of engagement, pride, and consistent high expectations.
- Enrichment: Catalyst Cup competitions, cultural celebrations, poetry and science contests, and hands-on learning experiences.
Parent feedback highlights the transformation:
“Quarry Hill has really brought out our child’s potential. All the staff are fantastic. We are always praising the school and will continue to do so.” (Year 3 parent)
“My child loves coming to school every day and there is a wide range of after school and before school activities. We would highly recommend this school.” (Year 5 parent)
Driving Change at Quarry Hill
Catalyst Academies Trust’s support for Quarry Hill has included:
- Leadership development, coaching, and mentoring for teachers and middle leaders.
- A personalised, high-quality curriculum designed and delivered by highly skilled practitioners.
- Specialist SEND provision through the Personalised Learning Centre 2.
- Enrichment and inter-school competitions across sport, science, maths, and the arts.
- Ongoing staff training to ensure consistently high teaching standards and a growth mind-set culture.
Standout Leaders and Staff Expertise
Samantha Wakeling - Executive Headteacher
Samantha leads Quarry Hill and works across Catalyst Academies Trust to ensure no leader accepts underperformance. She sets a culture where every pupil is believed capable of outstanding progress and drives leadership development to create future system leaders. Her mantra, “be the best,” underpins the school’s ethos of ambition and achievement.
Kirsty Robinson - Assistant Headteacher & SLE Mathematics Lead
Kirsty leads maths across all year groups, coaching staff in the effective use of concrete resources, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. Holding a Master’s distinction in Primary Education (Mathematics) and progressing towards a PhD, she focuses on SEND and assessment in maths. Her leadership has improved curriculum quality and pupil wellbeing across the trust.
Stacie Weller - Deputy Headteacher (KS2)
With over 13 years’ experience in Key Stage 2, Stacie is dedicated to raising aspirations and achievement, particularly in Year 6. She mentors student teachers, supports colleagues across the trust, and delivers training for Early Career Teachers. She is currently working towards her NPQSL to further strengthen leadership capacity.
Helen Rice - Lead SENCO
Helen leads SEND strategy across the trust, ensuring compliance, improving provision, and raising achievement for pupils with additional needs. She conducts SEND reviews, advises SENCOs, and delivers training in inclusive practice. Her leadership has embedded effective systems that drive better outcomes for pupils with SEND.
Shared Vision and Whole-Child Development
Quarry Hill’s ethos mirrors Catalyst Academies Trust’s vision: every child can succeed when nurtured and taught by outstanding practitioners. High aspirations are combined with a motivating curriculum and personalised support, enabling pupils to thrive academically and socially.
The school’s Personalised Learning Centre 2 is a key part of this vision, giving pupils with additional needs a second chance to succeed in mainstream education. Enrichment opportunities, from Catalyst Cup events to cultural celebrations, develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Facilities That Inspire Learning
Quarry Hill has undergone significant refurbishment, including new ceilings, windows, walls, and heating, creating a high-quality learning environment. A state-of-the-art MUGA pitch and changing rooms provide all-weather sports facilities for pupils and the local community.
The Ongoing Journey
Quarry Hill Academy’s success shows the impact of a determined vision, expert leadership, and strong trust and support. The school is committed to sustaining outstanding results, expanding enrichment opportunities, and ensuring every pupil leaves ready for the next stage of education.
Find out more about our approach to teacher training, school-to-school support, LLE & SLE coaching or view the Catalyst School prospectus.
To explore how Catalyst Academies Trust could support your school, get in touch.