CAST sixth formers headed to top universities

Students at Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST) are set to take up places at some of the country’s top universities after receiving their A Level grades today.

CAST is a specialist science academy which provides opportunities for young people, aged 13 to 19, to work with nearby business organisations involved in science and technology. Business employees lead college Challenge Projects, these engage and stretch all students, introducing them to real and relevant research and work.

Despite the challenges of the awarding of grades this year due to COVID-19, around 70% of students leaving the College this summer are due to go onto university, with a further 13% looking at apprenticeships.

Students celebrating today include:

Robert, who has secured not only a place at one of the UK’s top STEM universities, Royal Holloway (part of the University of London), to study for a M.Sc. in Physics but has secured two scholarships. As part of the course he has the option of an industrial placement which he is looking forward to being able to take.

Lucy, who is set to fulfil her long-held dream of becoming a doctor by gaining a place at university to study Medicine. In addition to her A Levels, Lucy was able to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) through which she learnt how to perform heart valve replacement surgery in a pig’s heart! At CAST, she has also obtained extensive work experience at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Joshua, who has obtained a place at Durham University to study Engineering. Whilst at CAST, Josh has worked with scientists and engineers from ARM, Zeiss and the Gurdon Institute to gain practical experience through the colleges Challenge Project programme to support his academic studies.

Natasha, who will be taking up a university course in Marine Biology. In addition to succeeding academically at CAST, Natasha is also completing qualifications in scuba diving and has captained the Cambridgeshire County Girls Golf Team.

Danielle Pacey, Principal at Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST), said: “I am very pleased and proud of all our students who today are taking up university places and apprenticeships having completed their time at the college. Their resilience over the past few months and their commitment to their studies has been particularly strong and it is very gratifying that they are able to celebrate today with their educations and futures secure.

“It is particularly encouraging to see our students going onto a wide variety of degree subjects, or to directly enter the world of work, in some of the most challenging and ambitious careers. We look forward to seeing their future successes.”