Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology
CAST is a state-funded University Technical College in Cambridge, UK, serving students aged 13–19 with a STEM-focused curriculum of GCSEs, A Levels, and T Levels, operated by United Learning and located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology does
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology (CAST) is a state-funded University Technical College located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, UK, serving students aged 13–19. Founded in 2014, it operates as part of United Learning, a multi-academy trust with a network of more than 50 schools. The school delivers a STEM-focused curriculum comprising GCSEs, A Levels, and T Levels, and is co-located alongside Addenbrooke's Hospital, the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC LMB), and the Babraham Institute — institutions that anchor its employer-engagement programme.
The school's core product is its specialist STEM academic pathway combined with employer-led Challenge Projects delivered in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and co-located biomedical and technology employers. These projects function as the school's primary pedagogical differentiator, embedding industry-defined technical problems into the curriculum. T Level provision, including a new Health (Adult Nursing) pathway, extends the offer into vocational post-16 routes. Digital learning is supported through the Up Learn platform, an AI-powered personalised learning tool used as a third-party curriculum layer rather than an in-house product.
CAST generates no tuition or commercial fee revenue. All income is government grant funding routed through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) on a per-pupil basis, with allocations determined by enrolment. The school charges no fees, serves families across the Cambridge region and beyond as a free specialist STEM option, and is governed by a board led by Chair of Governors Tim Thornton, with Danielle Pacey as Principal and Alistair Easterfield as Careers Lead. The institutional customer is therefore dispersed (families/students), but the institutional payer is a single counterparty (UK government), creating a structurally concentrated revenue base despite a diffuse end-user population.
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology
- Legal name
- Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology
- Website
- https://cambridgeast.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- CAST is a state-funded University Technical College in Cambridge, UK, serving students aged 13–19 with a STEM-focused curriculum of GCSEs, A Levels, and T Levels, operated by United Learning and located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Secondary Education (STEM-focused)
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Charter STEM/STEAM-Focused Schools (EDAJACAG)
Keywords
Where Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Education: As a UTC within United Learning, CAST operates as a state-funded academy receiving government education funding for secondary and sixth form education. Revenue comes from the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) based on student enrollment numbers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | 16-19 Bursary Fund for vulnerable groups |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CAST provides free, state-funded STEM-focused secondary and sixth-form education to students aged 13-19, delivering GCSE, A Level and T Level qualifications supported by an industry-co-designed Challenge Projects programme. The school combines academic qualifications with practical STEM skills through university-level laboratories, a Medical Simulation Suite, work experience placements and partnerships with organisations on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus including Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University, MRC LMB and Babraham Institute.
Product overview
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology is a University Technical College (UTC) providing specialist STEM education for students aged 13-19. The institution offers a unified educational programme combining A Level and T Level pathways supplemented by the Challenge Programme. The A Level Programme covers nine subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Maths, Geography, Maths, Physics, Psychology) alongside Core Maths and the Extended Project Qualification. The T Level Programme offers career-focused qualifications in Laboratory Sciences and Health with mandatory industry placements. The Challenge Projects programme, developed with industry partners, provides practical STEM experience through projects such as Building Challenge, Chemistry Challenge, Dragster Challenge, Machine Learning Challenge, and Protein Challenge. Students also work towards the Baker Award for Technical Education. All programmes are delivered using university-level laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art equipment on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- A Level Programme Two-year academic programme offering A Level qualifications in STEM and related subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Maths, Geography, Maths, Physics, and Psychology); students typically study three A Levels alongside the Extended Project Qualification and Core Maths. For students aged 16-19 progressing from GCSEs.
- T Level Programme Career-focused technical qualifications equivalent to three A Levels in Laboratory Sciences and Health (Adult Nursing), combining classroom learning with a mandatory 3-month industry placement with local STEM employers and healthcare organisations such as MRC LMB, Sainsbury Laboratory and Abcam. For students aged 16-19 seeking technical career pathways.
- Core Maths (Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies) Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies taken alongside other A Levels or T Levels, consolidating mathematical understanding and building confidence in applying mathematical techniques to personal finance, statistics and real-life applications. For Sixth Form students.
- Years 9-11 GCSE Programme Secondary STEM-focused education for students aged 13-16, delivering GCSE qualifications with emphasis on science, technology, engineering and maths alongside the standard curriculum, supported by Challenge Projects with industrial partners. For Year 9-11 students.
Companies that use Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Addenbrooke's HospitalcoreStrong ongoing partnership providing work experience placements for Year 12 students. Includes unique arrangement for 10 bespoke NHS work experience placements annually specifically for CAST students applying to study Medicine. Students complete a week of work experience at the hospital as part of their CEIAG programme.
- Cambridge UniversitycoreMultiple collaboration points including Challenge Projects with the Department of Engineering (dragster challenge), extended STEM projects, and support for university applications including Oxbridge preparation through United Learning.
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular BiologycoreT Level work placement partner where students rotate through Core Facilities including microscopy, genotyping, biophysics, and flow cytometry. Students have secured degree-level apprenticeships at MRC LMB.
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS TrustcoreFormal partnership providing 10 bespoke work experience placements each year specifically allocated for CAST MedSoc students planning to apply to study Medicine at university.
- ZeissminorTechnology company providing work experience placement opportunities for CAST students interested in microscopy and research technology.
- Cancer Research UKminorCharity providing work experience placements for students interested in biomedical research and cancer studies.
- Babraham InstitutecoreProtein Challenge project partner where students genetically engineer bacteria to express the PTEN oncogene using molecular biology techniques. Students visit the Institute, attend ethics workshops, and present scientific posters to Babraham scientists.
- MacecoreConstruction company partnering on Building Challenge where students design sustainable amenities building for Cambridge Biomedical Campus, working with engineers and building physicists.
- University of OxfordcoreMachine Learning Challenge partner where students work with Oxford to design, build and train AIs to analyse data from the ATLAS experiment at CERN.
- Morgan Sindall ConstructionminorConstruction firm embedding employer engagement and applied learning as part of curriculum delivery. Opportunity to identify future talent pipeline for degree apprenticeships, summer placements, and graduate opportunities.
- AVEVE Group PLCminorEngineering company partnering to provide STEM skills development and career insights for students.
- ZEISS Research Microscopy SolutionsminorTechnology company providing insights into STEM careers, noting CAST students are 'switched on to the world of STEM' and engage effectively.
- Cambridge and Anglian WaterminorWater company partnering on Water Challenge project where students survey local waterways as part of environmental science education.
- Hobson's Conduit TrustminorWaterway conservation trust partnering on Water Challenge to characterise critically endangered chalk stream and produce management plan for protection.
- Sainsbury LaboratoryminorUniversity of Cambridge research facility providing T Level work placements for Laboratory Science students (3-month placements).
- AbcamminorBiotechnology company offering T Level work placements in laboratories for science students.
- Baker Dearing TrustcoreEducational trust supporting University Technical Colleges (UTCs) that provides oversight, governance support, and advocacy for the UTC model. CAST is supported by Baker Dearing Trust as a University Technical College.
- United LearningcoreNational education group comprising over 90 schools across England (state and independent sectors) that CAST is part of. Provides governance, shared resources, collaborative planning, teacher training (United Teaching), and group-wide activities.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Unifrog: A UK careers guidance and destinations platform integrated into CAST's careers programme, supporting university and apprenticeship applications. Relevant as an enabling technology/service peer rather than a competitor, since it underpins part of CAST's CEIAG delivery.
Direct peers
- SGS Berkeley Green UTC: A Gloucestershire UTC specialising in science, technology, and engineering for 14-19 year olds, with strong employer partnerships in the engineering and digital sectors. Comparable as a STEM-specialist UTC with industry-aligned project work.
- University Technical College Bolton: A Bolton-based UTC providing STEM and health-focused education with T Level pathways and employer placements. Comparable in UTC structure, T Level delivery, and employer-led work experience for STEM and healthcare learners.
- Aston University Engineering Academy: A UTC affiliated with Aston University in Birmingham, providing engineering-focused education for 14-19 year olds with university-partnered curriculum. Comparable in UTC structure, age range, and university-employer partnership model.
- Manchester UTC: A Manchester-based UTC delivering STEM-focused secondary and sixth-form education with strong employer engagement across the Northern Powerhouse. Comparable in UTC structure, STEM curriculum, and university/employer partnership emphasis.
- JCB Academy: A University Technical College in Rocester, Staffordshire, offering STEM-focused secondary and sixth-form education with strong employer engagement (JCB and partners). Directly comparable to CAST in UTC structure, STEM specialism, employer-led curriculum, and A Level/T Level pathways.
- UTC Reading: A Reading-based UTC specialising in computing and STEM for 14-19 year olds with employer-led projects. Comparable to CAST as a UTC serving the 13-19 age range with an emphasis on industry-partnered STEM project work.
Regional players
- Thomas Mills High School (Suffolk): A selective state grammar school in Framlingham, Suffolk, with strong STEM A Level results and Oxbridge progression. Comparable on outcomes-driven sixth form provision and STEM specialism, though grammar rather than UTC model.
Broad incumbents
- United Church Schools Trust (UCST): Parent charitable trust within the United Learning group, operating over 90 schools across state and independent sectors in England. Comparable as the broader organisational umbrella CAST operates within; relevant for understanding shared services, governance, and group-level strategic positioning.
Emerging players
- Harris Westminster Sixth Form: A selective STEM-focused sixth form in central London serving high-attaining 16-19 year olds, part of the Harris Federation multi-academy trust. Comparable on STEM focus and high university-progression outcomes, though broader in curriculum than CAST.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology social profiles
Digital presenceCambridge Academy for Science & Technology compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology
What does Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology do?
CAST provides free, state-funded STEM-focused secondary and sixth-form education to students aged 13-19, delivering GCSE, A Level and T Level qualifications supported by an industry-co-designed Challenge Projects programme. The school combines academic qualifications with practical STEM skills through university-level laboratories, a Medical Simulation Suite, work experience placements and partnerships with organisations on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus including Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University, MRC LMB and Babraham Institute.
Is Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology a public or private company?
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology founded?
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology based?
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology make money?
One revenue line is on record: government-Funded Education.
Who are Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology's main competitors?
Unifrog is listed as an others. Direct peers are SGS Berkeley Green UTC, University Technical College Bolton, Aston University Engineering Academy, Manchester UTC, JCB Academy and UTC Reading. Thomas Mills High School (Suffolk) is listed as a regional player. United Church Schools Trust (UCST) is listed as a broad incumbent. Harris Westminster Sixth Form is listed as an emerging player.
Does Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology.
What industry is Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology in?
Cambridge Academy for Science & Technology's product category is Secondary Education (STEM-focused). Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJACAG, Charter STEM/STEAM-Focused Schools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.