Welcome to Quest for Learning
Education is like turning on a light – suddenly the world is brighter, easier to navigate and full of possibilities.
Quest for Learning is a small Oxfordshire charity with a big ambition; we want all children to leave primary school able to read well and be confident about maths. Currently, one in five children can’t read well or at all by the age of 11, and many others struggle with the basic maths skills that they will need in their adult lives.
Since 1995, we have worked in primary schools across the county, using our literacy and maths programmes to boost confidence and skills, closing the education disadvantage gap and ultimately improving the life chances of thousands of children.

KS1 Literacy Programme
Securing the first steps in reading is key to educational success. Our tutors work one-to-one or in small groups to identify and work on specific areas where a child is struggling.
KS2 Literacy Programme
Using carefully chosen texts, our tutors work with small groups of children to help them make the leap between simple decoding to real understanding and enjoyment when reading.
Numeracy Support
Our NumSkills games and activities are designed to boost skills and confidence in mental maths whilst everyone is having fun. Our NumSkills tutors work with small groups of children.
17m
Comprehension gain using National Tutoring Programme
96%
feel confident/super confident about reading after ReadingQuest
100%
of children feel more confident about reading after BookQuest
89%
of children felt NumSkills helped them with maths back in the classroom

We are part of the National Tutoring Programme
The National Tutoring Programme is part of a Government initiative to address learning loss resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic. As an approved NTP Tuition partner, we can offer schools our ReadingQuest and BookQuest programmes at a subsidised rate.
Upcoming training courses for primary teaching staff
Securing Foundations in Primary English in Years 1&2 (two-part course)
Course date September 13, 2022
This two-part course will provide teachers with an overview of the progression of knowledge and skills in reading and writing on which their year group’s curriculum is built and then the opportunity to consider how gaps in previous learning may be addressed and effective teaching strategies employed to secure the foundations of the curriculum on which new learning can be built.
Securing Foundations in Primary English in Years 3&4 (two-part course)
Course date September 14, 2022
This two-part course will provide teachers with an overview of the progression of knowledge and skills in reading and writing on which their year group’s curriculum is built and then the opportunity to consider how gaps in previous learning may be addressed and effective teaching strategies employed to secure the foundations of the curriculum on which new learning can be built.
Securing Foundations in Primary English in Years 5&6 (two-part course)
Course date September 15, 2022
This two-part course will provide teachers with an overview of the progression of knowledge and skills in reading and writing on which their year group’s curriculum is built and then the opportunity to consider how gaps in previous learning may be addressed and effective teaching strategies employed to secure the foundations of the curriculum on which new learning can be built.
"The NumSkills games were interactive and all of my 3 children could take part regardless of the age gaps."
Parent at Maths Morning
"The course gave me lots of ideas that I can realistically take back into the classroom straightaway." Phonics course delegate
"ReadingQuest has made a big impact on my child, it helps her with her writing, reading and boosts her confidence." Parent

How we work with Tutors
All our programmes are delivered by specially trained tutors who are employed by Quest for Learning and supported by our Teaching Team.
Interested in joining our friendly, supportive team? If you are an experienced primary teacher or qualified education professional looking for part-time work, we would love to hear from you! You can find out more about what it’s like to be a Quest for Learning tutor by watching our short video.
How we work with Families
Has your child been chosen by their school to take part in ReadingQuest, BookQuest or NumSkills? You can find out here how to help them make the most of the extra support.
You may also be interested in ways that you can support your children in maths and literacy more generally during their time at primary school. Find out more about simple activities you can do at home, plus news about upcoming events for families.

Find out how we can help your school
Do you work in a school and feel your pupils could benefit from our programmes? Do drop us a quick message using the form below and we will be in touch.
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We were absolutely delighted to meet Penny Tyack, our charity's founder, earlier today. The original ReadingQuest programme that she introduced to a handful of schools in Oxford back in 1995 is still very much at the heart of what we do! #literacy #tacklingdisadvantage https://t.co/MfgOd12ZuL Read More
Booking here #edutwitter https://t.co/hPJ4Rpeo1G Read More
https://t.co/nPq4gjMvo8 Read More
Are you a teacher moving to a new year group in September? Or an ECT looking for extra support before September starts? Our 2 part Securing Foundations in English courses provide practical strategies to embed learning and identify and address gaps. Booking https://t.co/rUYdcJMY9Z Read More
We're recruiting! Would you like to join our charity and make a real difference to children's lives? We are looking for literacy and numeracy tutors across Oxfordshire to start in September. Find out more... https://t.co/Sy4xLBXiKh Read More
RT @JacariOxford: Next week is #SmallCharityWeek! We thought we'd kick off early and celebrate our twitter community. So nice to see @footi… Read More
Being able to read isn't just a skill you need to get through life - it also improves your health and happiness! Michael Mosley explores the benefits of losing yourself in a story at any age. #literacy #lifelongreaders Read More
Are you an education professional looking for a new challenge? Would you like to make a difference to the attainment of some of Oxfordshire's most disadvantaged children? We are recruiting Numeracy and Literacy Tutors to start in September https://t.co/42Mw1IyOBL Read More