Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology

Dedicated SEND staff develop individual strategy plans with students and families and inform classroom teachers of best approaches.

“Our dedicated SEND staff develop individual strategy plans with students and their families to ensure that classroom teachers are informed of the best teaching approaches.”

Specific support structures exist for students with local authority education and health care plans (EHCPs) for high-level needs.

“Specific support structures for those with local authority education and health care plans for high level needs are thoughtfully designed and delivered.”

The school has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and two Deputy DSLs with direct contact details.

“Designated Safeguarding Lead : Danielle Pacey danielle.pacey@cambridgeast.org.uk”

School frames safeguarding as everyone's responsibility and describes it as protecting children, preventing impairment of health/development, and ensuring safe circumstances.

“Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.”

CAST is a specialist science academy and University Technical College combining academic subjects with technical/practical learning for science and technology careers.

“As a UTC, we combine traditional academic subjects with technical and practical learning, preparing students for high-demand careers in science and technology.”

CAST is a specialist science academy with curriculum focused on Life Sciences, STEM, and Applied Sciences pathways

“The academy’s curriculum is focused on Pathways into eight different career sectors. So, whether students want to pursue Life Sciences, STEM (Science, Technology Engineering & Maths) or more general ‘Applied Sciences’, we guide them into the subjects and experiences which will support their career plans.”

A Year 13 student says she chose the school because it felt like a small community.

“One of the main reasons I chose this school was because it felt that I was within a small community where I could meet new people and friends that could welcome me.”

Sixth form students undertake 9-week STEM Challenge Projects developed with industry, healthcare and academic partners (e.g. University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Babraham Institute), plus all students complete an EPQ with a personal mentor.

“In CAST Sixth Form students engage in what we call 'Challenge Projects'. These are extended STEM based projects developed and delivered in close collaboration with partners in industry, health care and academia in association with Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST).”

Weekly 'Challenge' projects led by business employees give students real research and work experience.

“Business employees lead college ‘Challenge’ projects. These engage and stretch all students for one day a week, every week, introducing them to real and relevant research and work.”

CAST's core values are Resilience, Respect, and Responsibility.

“Resilience – We set ambitious goals and develop the strength to overcome challenges. Respect – We value diverse perspectives and promote equality in all we do. Responsibility – We take ownership of our actions and strive to make a positive impact on our community and the world.”

School emphasizes academic excellence, student progress, and outstanding teaching as core to its identity

“CAST Sixth Form is a high performing, firmly established sixth form with a strong track record of both academic excellence and student progress.”

CAST Sixth Form described as high performing, established, small enough for students to be known individually, with strong track record of academic excellence and progress.

“CAST Sixth Form is a high performing, firmly established sixth form with a strong track record of both academic excellence and student progress. With students from many different schools both national and international, the sixth form has a vibrant atmosphere with a wealth of opportunities, while at the same time being small enough to ensure our students are all known and treated as individuals.”

Sixth form offers A level and T level courses alongside business partnerships in science.

“The sixth form offers a programme of A level and T level courses along with a unique opportunity to work with nearby business organisations involved in science.”

T Level entry requires 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 including Sciences, Maths and English Language.

“The minimum entry requirement is 5 GCSEs (at grade 4-9) including Sciences (5), Maths (5) and English Language (4)”

A Level entry requires 7 GCSEs at grade 4-9 including Maths (5) and English Language (4), plus at least a grade 6 in chosen A Level subjects.

“The minimum entry requirement is 7 GCSEs (grade 4-9), including Maths (5) and English Language (4) with at least a grade 6 in the subjects chosen at A Level.”

Most Year 13 students progress to university (majority in STEM), with students achieving places at top UK universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Russell Group universities, and Medicine courses

“Most Year 13 students progress onto university, the vast majority studying STEM courses (you can see some of the subjects studied at the bottom of the page). Each year we have students who achieve places at the UK's top universities, including Cambridge, Oxford and Russell Group Universities. We also regularly have students achieving places to study Medicine.”

Destinations table shows university progression ranging 68-83% over 2021-2025, plus apprenticeships, work, further education, and gap year percentages

“| University | 83% | 77% | 72% | 68% | 79% |”