ROAD TO RIAT STEM CHALLENGE 2025/26
Teachers, prepare for take-off! The Road to RIAT programme is back and bigger than ever, offering an extraordinary and FREE learning opportunity for your students!
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 brought to you by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the Royal Air Force and delivered in partnership with The Smallpeice Trust.
Get ready to inspire your students with everything they need to become future aerospace engineers!
Starting with the STEM Challenge, a half-day packed with discovery and creativity. Your students will take part in a hands-on activity, delivered via a virtual livestream by The Smallpeice Trust’s STEM Engagement Specialists.
You choose the challenge: the Glider Challenge or the Space Challenge!
Students will work in teams to design, build, and test their very own gliders or rockets.
We provide all the materials needed for up to 45 students, delivered directly to your school before your chosen event.
After the STEM Challenge, the excitement continues with the Sustainable Aircraft of the Future Design Competition. Students will unleash their imaginations to envision and design their own sustainable aircraft, for a chance to win tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo in July 2026 and other fantastic prizes!
These prizes include tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo and two LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime kits (worth £800!).
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.
Competition winners will be invited to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo in July 2026 and compete with other winning schools in another STEM Competition.
The winning school on the day will win an exclusive robotics STEM Day, provided by the RAF.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Royal International Air Tattoo
What are you waiting for? Give your students an opportunity they’ll never forget!
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025
26 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025
03 Dec 2025 - 03 Dec 2025
05 Dec 2025 - 05 Dec 2025
10 Dec 2025 - 10 Dec 2025
14 Jan 2026 - 14 Jan 2026
16 Jan 2026 - 16 Jan 2026
21 Jan 2026 - 21 Jan 2026
23 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026
28 Jan 2026 - 28 Jan 2026
30 Jan 2026 - 30 Jan 2026
03 Oct 2025 - 03 Oct 2025
08 Oct 2025 - 08 Oct 2025
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025
17 Oct 2025 - 17 Oct 2025
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025
25 Nov 2025 - 25 Nov 2025
27 Nov 2025 - 27 Nov 2025
02 Dec 2025 - 02 Dec 2025
04 Dec 2025 - 04 Dec 2025
09 Dec 2025 - 09 Dec 2025
13 Jan 2026 - 13 Jan 2026
15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 - 20 Jan 2026
22 Jan 2026 - 22 Jan 2026
27 Jan 2026 - 27 Jan 2026
29 Jan 2026 - 29 Jan 2026
03 Feb 2026 - 03 Feb 2026
02 Oct 2025 - 02 Oct 2025