Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology

CAST is an inspiring, specialist science academy, for young people aged 13-19. 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.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge’s Biomedical Campus, the college is surrounded by world-leading academic and commercial organisations which sponsor, support and contribute to the life and work of the college.

Students work in state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, learning in innovative and exciting ways, supported by CAST’s unique partnerships with business. CAST therefore gives its students a head start into their future careers.

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. This provides every learner with a portfolio of experiences and attributes that are highly prized by universities and employers alike.

CAST is part of United Learning and is also supported by the Baker Dearing Trust as a University Technical College (UTC).

10 reasons to join CAST Sixth Form

1. High quality teaching – means excellent exam results.

2. Small size – means personalised support.

3. Working with employers on extended STEM projects – mean you gain the skills to progress into your chosen career.

4. Specialist STEM college - means you learn what you love with like minded peers from experts gaining A & T Level qualifications, the qualifications employers want.

5. Outstanding careers support – means our students get the university and apprenticeship places they want.

6. Friendly supportive environment – means all our student's flourish.

7. Outstanding facilities – means you are confident in working with professional equipment

8. Active Sixth Form Council – means your views make a difference.

9. Dedicated Sixth Form study area – means there is always space for you to work in CAST.

10. Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus – provides access to some of the world’s top science and medical organisations.1. High quality teaching – means excellent exam results.

To find out the latest on CAST Sixth Form visit out Instagram page (www.instragram.com/CAST_Sixth_Form).

Caring for students - pastoral and SEND support

Every student is assigned to a tutor group where the emphasis is on developing our core values of resilience, respect and responsibility. Students are encouraged to support each other in achieving these college values. 

Tutors ensure they build a positive and supportive relationship with their tutees. The tutor is generally the first person a student would go to if they need guidance or advice. If extra support is required tutors can refer to our experienced pastoral team and Student Support Officers. 

Our dedicated SEND staff develop individual support plans with students and their families to ensure that classroom teachers are informed of the best teaching approaches. All staff are responsible for supporting students to overcome any ‘barriers to learning’. 

Personal development - the Wider Curriculum

One of the most important roles of education is to ensure that students are able to look after themselves and are ready to take an active part in society (be that at a local, national or global level). The world is a very exciting place with vast numbers of opportunities. Each one of us will find our own way through life. We will each be excited, interested or upset by different things. 

Whatever our own personal motivators we all need to have access to basic information. We need to know how to do certain things or access help when we need it. We also should be aware of what is important to other people so that we can understand their views and when necessary engage in meaningful discussion, be that with our friends or family, or further afield. This is what the wider curriculum supports through tutorials, PHSE and extra curricular opportunities. 

Extra-Curricular

At CAST we create an environment where students can grow and develop as people, nurturing interests that are wider than the formal curriculum. We run many trips, including opportunities to travel abroad.  Our active Sixth Form Council arranges a range of activities for the Sixth Form and ensures that their views are identified and represented.

Challenge (work related project based learning)

Being a good scientist is not just knowing about science, but being able to do it.  Science is a practical subject and not something that should just be learnt through books.  Through our Challenge program students learn the practical skills that underpin their academic learning, putting them in a very strong position when it comes to applying for university, apprenticeships or work. Our Challenge Project programme is widely regarded as a national exemplar of excellence in project-based learning both by educationalists and business leaders.

The projects provide a unique opportunity to develop:

• a practical understanding of science

• technical science skills

• curriculum learning

• transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership and literacy

• enhanced careers awareness

The projects are delivered in a partnership between our staff and colleagues from a wide range of partner organisations. Students engage in seminars, practicals, teaching, independent work and visits. Most projects involve a range of activities that promote work-related skills and address real world problems.

In years 12 and 13, students select from a wide range of projects covering the sciences and engineering. These allow students to personalise their education and gain the skills required to support future career ambitions. All Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology students take part in the Baker Award for Technical Education. 

Examples of some of our Challenge projects including, cloning and expressing cancer causing genes into bacteria (completed in conjunction with the Babraham Institute); developing; building and training AI Apps (in conjunction with ARU); organic chemistry synthesis; automotive engineering (in conjunction with Cambridge University); and characterising and developing a management plan for a local chalk stream (in conjunction with Friends on Hobson's Conduit).

Extended Project Qualification

All A Level students complete the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as part of the Colleges Challenge Programme. This is an individual research project that is very popular with universities as an entrance qualification alongside A Levels. The EPQ is a stand-alone qualification that is equivalent to half an A Level, with an A* achievable, and UCAS points gained. The qualification aims to help students develop beyond their existing study programme by giving them the freedom to complete a project in an area of personal interest whilst also developing project management skills along the way. University admission officers are actively looking for evidence of students completing an EPQ and it can give you the edge on an application.

Careers in science

Cambridge is contributing to the UK’s economic development and this is driven by the large number of very successful science and technology companies in the region. Involving employers at the heart of our education enables students to build professional networks and opens doors and work experience opportunities that are not always available elsewhere.

At CAST each student receives personalised guidance with university and apprenticeship applications and guidance in developing CV writing skills and interview technique. Because our students meet so many employers they learn about a wide range of careers and develop the skills and confidence to conduct themselves in a professional environment. To support students in progressing to their chosen careers we provide a week’s work experience for all of our year 12s. We also provide a bespoke careers guidance programme facilitated by staff that are passionate about students achieving their ambitions.

CAST is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which has excellent travel links both across Cambridge and with the surrounding area.  There are a wide range of bus services that serve the Campus (many stopping outside CAST), the Campus is also served by the Guided Busway, and from spring 2026 will be served by Cambridge South Railway Station, located only a short walk from the College.

Baker Dearing Educational Trust  - University Technical Colleges® 

Baker Dearing Educational Trust was founded by Lord Baker and Lord Dearing in 2009 to promote the concept of University Technical Colleges (‘’UTCs’’). It is a small, flexible charity that sits at the centre of the UTC network and focuses on promoting and supporting new and existing University Technical Colleges (UTCs). These are publicly funded academies for 13-19 year-olds that deliver technical education as well as core curriculum subjects. For more information visit https://www.utcolleges.org/. 

United Learning - The best in everyone 

Are a group of schools which aims to provide an excellent education to children and young people across the country. We seek to improve the life chances of all the children and young people we serve and make it our mission to bring out ‘the best in everyone’ – students, staff, parents and the wider community. Uniquely, our Group includes significant numbers of schools in both the public and the private sectors, working together for mutual benefit.