Cardwell Academy of Engineering & Physics
The Cardwell Academy of Engineering & Physics
Who is Professor David Cardwell?
Professor David Cardwell is a leading expert in superconducting engineering at the University of Cambridge, widely recognised for his research and his senior leadership roles.
Academic & Leadership Roles at Cambridge
- Professor of Superconducting Engineering: He is a Professor of Superconducting Engineering at Cambridge.
Department Head: He served as the Head of the Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge from 2014 to 2018.
Senior University Leader: He served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning from 2018 to 2024, a role that shaped the university’s strategic direction.
- Fellow of Fitzwilliam College: He is a Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, part of the university’s collegiate system.
Our Mission
Nurturing the next generation of top scientists for the world.
At the Cardwell Academy, our mission is to identify and nurture Hong Kong’s most promising young scientists. We exist to nurture the next generation of top scientists for the world—visionaries who will push the boundaries of knowledge and impact global science. Through an accelerated, mentorship-driven curriculum guided by one of Cambridge’s most distinguished academics, we provide the rigorous training, research exposure, and personal guidance necessary to secure places at the world’s top universities.
Why the Cardwell Academy?
1. World-Class Leadership
Professor David Cardwell, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, serves as both Chief Advisor of the Academy and Chair of Governors at St Bees Sixth Form College Hong Kong.
2. Expertly Selected Leadership
The Head Teacher of the Cardwell Academy is jointly selected and trained by Professor Cardwell and our School Board, ensuring every leader shares your passion for scientific excellence.
3. Direct Access to Cambridge Expertise
Professor David Cardwell personally delivers both online and offline lectures at least once per month throughout the academic year, giving you unparalleled insight into university-level physics and engineering.
4. The Cardwell Reference
Exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding performance will receive a personalised reference letter from Professor Cardwell—a powerful endorsement for your university application.
The Curriculum: Accelerated Path to Top Universities
Our curriculum is designed for students targeting Engineering or Physics at world-leading universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, MIT, and others.
- Accelerated A-Levels in Mathematics and Physics
- Guided academic readings beyond the syllabus
- Research projects to develop investigative skills
- University interview preparation with a focus on Oxbridge-style problem-solving
Admission & Scholarships
Entrance Requirements
To join the Academy, you must sit our entrance test designed by Professor Cardwell, alongside the standard St Bees Sixth Form College entrance assessments.
Scholarships
Top performers on the entrance tests will be awarded scholarships recognising their potential.
The Cambridge Summer Programme
All Cardwell Academy students are invited to a two-week Engineering and Physics programme at the University of Cambridge (additional charge applies).
- Learn directly from Professor David Cardwell and his teaching assistants
- Deepen your subject knowledge in a university setting
- Gain insider guidance on how to secure admission to top global universities, including Cambridge
Join the Future of Science
For application details and entrance test dates, please contact our admissions office.
