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! 

 

Part One: The STEM Challenge Day

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. 

Part Two: Design an Aircraft of the Future

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!). 

Part Three: Meet the STEM Superstars!

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. 

Part Four: Competition winners will attend RIAT!

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 

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