Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology

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Hi,

I wondered if I could ask what it's like at the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology?

My son is very keen on computer programming and robotics, but is not razor sharp socially, and is not good at PE. I wondered if any other mumsnetters had a child at this school and might be able to tell me if kids like this are taught well and are happy there? Acadmically, he's liable to end up at a Russell Group University and might like to go to Cambridge, so I kind of wondered how this school compares with Hill's Road Sixth Form Collge for Cambridge entrance.

We live locally.

Thanks!

When you say "not razor sharp socially", do you mean that he would cope better in a small school, or that he only really gets on with other people on his wavelength? If he's potentially Cambridge material, there's probably more of the latter at Hills. It is huge, but hopefully he'd find his niche.

It looks like CAST has only about 40 a year doing any A levels (might be alongside BTec), and latest results suggest average grade is about C. Hills has lots with Cambridge potential, and plenty of experience in preparing them. They also have a very active robotics club that has taken part in international competitions - so an obvious activity for him to get stuck into and use to meet like-minded people.

I can't tell you what CAST is like, but it has had a change of management. I think part of its problem is attracting good pupils when most of the schools and sixth-forms in the area are reasonably/very good - there's less incentive to change for year 10, and the other sixth-forms have long-established reputations.

Thanks, yes that answers the question. Good to know. :-)