Blast off to RIAT
Blast Off STEM Challenge 2025/26
Teachers, prepare for take-off!
3…2…1…BLAST OFF! Road to RIAT: Blast off is back, offering an extraordinary and FREE learning opportunity for your students! This fully funded programme invites students (aged 11-14) to join us on a journey in space exploration. This fantastic initiative is generously sponsored and delivered in partnership with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
This year places are available to state secondary schools within Scotland, Northwest England, North East England, East Midlands, West Midlands and South West England.
What to expect
The STEM Challenge Day
Students will become space explorers for the day and will discover the RAF’s role in space exploration. During the STEM day, students will leam about forced and the impact of drag as they navigate through a series of challenges, including designing and building their own prototypes, developing their teamwork, critical thinking and creativity skills.
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Choose your
competition entry
At the end of the STEM day you will have the chance to submit the best project from the day 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
Receive
downloadable
resources
Each topic provides context to the activity by connecting it to a real world career and profession.
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Competition
winners will
attend RIAT!
The Regional Winners of the space competition, who have also participated in the STEM day will receive £100 for their school. PLUS, they will be invited to join us at The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and take part in another STEM challenge against other schools.
The National Winner will win TWO Lego Spike Prime Kits for their school. This is the chance of a lifetime to see cutting-edge aviation technology and meet real aerospace professionals!
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Royal International Air Tattoo
Why join Blast Off to RIAT?
Real benefits for
your students
> Completely FREE for state secondary schools
> All materials provided – nothing to prepare
> Curriculum-linked to science and design technology
> Team building and problem-solving skills
> Chance to win incredible prizes and experiences
“Very interactive programme, students were engaged throughout and it focused on many practical and key skills”
Teacher, Robert Napier School
How to book?
STEP 1 – Contact us to get your STEM day booked in
STEP 2 – Select your preferred date
STEP 3 – Complete the booking form
Ready to Blast-Off?
This programme combines the excitement of space 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 60 schools across the UK in this incredible STEM adventure. This year places are available to state secondary schools within Scotland, Northwest England, North East England, East Midlands, West Midlands and South West England.
Available challenge dates:
Autumn term 2025/26