Information on Sixth Forms in Cambridge: Hills? Long? Maths school? CAST? Oakes?

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I would like some information on sixth forms in the Cambridge area for DS who is starting year 11 in a few weeks. DS has been referred for an autism assessment and struggles at school with a lot of anxiety and sensory issues so would require a lot of pastoral support and would probably do better at a smaller school. DS is academically very bright- predicted mostly 8s and 9s and would like to study STEM subjects (thinking 4 a-levels).

DS is certain that he doesn't want to do the IB as he struggles with English and French so he wouldn't want to pursue those sorts of subjects beyond GCSE level so we have ruled out IVC and Parkside.

We have looked around the maths school but DS didn't want to look around any others as he doesn't like events like that so I was wondering if anyone had any up to date information on sixth forms in the area, specifically Hills road, Long road and Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology. I would be particularly interested in pastoral and SEND support as well as anything about the atmosphere and feeling of the schools.

Thanks in advance for any replies

Have a look at Chesterton sixth form. I'm sure you know Hills and Long Road are big with big classes. Hills also makes everyone do an EPQ. Oakes and Long Road are less academic.

Hills is very big and is in many ways a half way house between school and university.

A friend of mine whose daughter has autism was well supported through a levels at Comberton.

If he very bright Hills although big gets v vgood results and especially in STEm and do support people well - i expect if you rang up you could arrange a quieter visit and talk about his needs - Chesterton and maths same trust btw are much much smaller- my friends child with a few issues has been v happy at Chesterton-

Through work I’ve had some experience with CAST. It’s a small school and focussed on STEM courses at A-Level and BTEC but they also offer experience from industry professionals. I haven’t experienced the SEN and pastoral support but as everyone was there for STEM classes, it felt like all the students were engaged. Probably best to have a chat with the school about their pastoral support and see what you think.

Thank you for your responses

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/education/4841318-long-road-or-hills-road-6th-form-cambridgeshire?reply=127537003

Recent thread that has some info that might help.

Hills does make everyone do an EPQ which involves quite a bit of writing.

I'd second the recommendation to have a look at Chesterton.

Definitely consider Chesterton - classes have been very small this year (first intake), but even with the size they want to grow to, they will still be small. I know some kids there and they've seen huge increases in confidence from being in the smaller setting. The Maths school will also be a smaller setting, IF the subjects he wants to do fit what they offer.

If he won't go to the open days, it's perhaps worth contacting the schools and asking whether it would be possible for him to visit separately, or be put in touch with one/more of the existing students by whatever means of communication he finds easiest.

It's a few years back, but our autistic child was very well supported at Comberton Sixth.

Mmm, but for possible autism, Cringelibrarian? When we looked round, DS was told that there was 'all the help in the world at Hills for the student who asks for it'. DS's problem was that 'asking' was very difficult for him even with familiar, SEN-focused staff, and almost impossible with near-strangers.