Road to RIAT
STEM Challenge 2025/26
Teachers, prepare for take-off!
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The Road to RIAT programme is back and bigger than ever, offering an extraordinary and FREE learning opportunity for your students!
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We’re inviting primary school students aged 9-10 (Year 5) from 600 primary schools across the UK to join us for a year of fun, interactive STEM activities. This fantastic initiative is generously sponsored and delivered in partnership with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Force.
What to expect
The STEM Challenge Day
Everything They Need to Become Future Aerospace Engineers
Get ready to inspire your students with the STEM Challenge – a half-day packed with discovery and creativity. Your students will take part in hands-on activities, delivered via virtual livestream by The Smallpeice Trust’s STEM Engagement Specialists.
You choose the challenge:
Glider Challenge –
Design, build, & test aerodynamic gliders
Space Challenge –
Create and launch rockets
Students work in teams to design, build, and test their creations.
We provide all materials needed for up to 45 students,
delivered directly to your school before your chosen event.
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Design an Aircraft
of the Future
Unleash Their Imaginations
After the STEM Challenge, the excitement continues with the Sustainable Aircraft of the Future Design Competition. Students will envision and design their own sustainable aircraft for a chance to win incredible prizes!
Amazing prizes include:
Tickets to Royal International Air Tattoo (July 2026)
Two LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime kits (worth £700!)
Exclusive school recognition
Meet the STEM
Superstars!
Connect with Real Engineers
Following the Virtual STEM Challenge, schools will be invited to join us in the summer term for “Meet the STEM Superstars“.
This is a fantastic chance for your students to engage with inspiring engineering role models and discover more about the exciting world of STEM through a live virtual Q&A session.
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Competition
winners will
attend RIAT!
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Royal International Air Tattoo
Why join Road to RIAT?
Real benefits for
your students
Completely FREE for all state primary schools
All materials provided - nothing to prepare
Curriculum-linked to science and design technology
Real career connections with RAF professionals
Team building and problem-solving skills
Chance to win incredible prizes and experiences
Perfect for Year 5 curriculum:
Forces and motion (gliders and rockets)
Design and technology (creating and testing)
Working scientifically (fair testing and evaluation)
STEM careers awareness
Fully funded by:
How to book?
STEP 1 – Choose your preferred challenge (Glider or Space)
STEP 2 – Select your preferred date
STEP 3 – Complete the booking form
Ready for Lift-Off?
This programme combines the excitement of aviation with hands-on STEM learning, showing your students that engineering is creative, collaborative, and full of possibilities.
Join the adventure – your students’ STEM journey starts here!
What are you waiting for?
Booking
now open!
Give your students an opportunity they’ll never forget!
Join 600 schools across the UK in this incredible STEM adventure.
Available challenge dates:
Autumn term 2025/26