Over 300 Students Compete in UK Youth Rocketry Challenge Regional Final in York

Over 300 enthusiastic school students recently participated in the largest Northern Regional Final of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC), showcasing their skills in designing, building, and launching model rockets. The event took place at Elvington Airfield in York on 7 May 2026, where teams aimed to launch their rockets to an impressive altitude of 750 feet while safely carrying a fragile payload – a raw egg.

Exciting Competition

This year, 64 teams from 30 schools and youth groups took part in this thrilling engineering competition. The challenge not only tested the students’ technical abilities but also encouraged them to work collaboratively in teams. Each team was tasked with ensuring their rocket could soar high into the sky while keeping their precious egg intact.

Regional Champions

After two days of intense competition, the winners were announced. Team ‘Little Red Rocket’ from Birkdale School claimed victory on Day 1, while the 230th Sheffield Air Scouts and Air Explorers took the title on Day 2. Both teams will now represent the North region at the National Finals scheduled for 25 June 2026 in Buckminster.

Support from Industry Leaders

The UKROC competition has been running for over 20 years and is organised by ADS, a trade association representing the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors. The initiative is supported by prominent industry sponsors, including Airbus, Frankenburg Technologies, and Saab UK. These companies recognise the importance of fostering young talent and are committed to encouraging the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Quotes from Organisers and Sponsors

Paul Oxley, Director General of ADS Skills, congratulated the participants, stating:

“Congratulations to everyone who has competed in the regional finals! At ADS, we’re committed to building a strong pipeline of talent to meet the demands of the future. Continued support for initiatives like this is vital to tackling the UK’s growing skills gap and opening up high-quality career opportunities for young people across the country.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed her excitement about the competition:

“We are delighted to continue to support this competition. Airbus is committed to supporting initiatives that not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.”

Dan Hallett from Frankenburg Technologies also praised the hard work of the teams:

“Specialising in rocket science, Frankenburg is extremely impressed with the hard work and dedication shown throughout the competition. The pipeline from UKROC into industry is essential, and by supporting the challenge we’re proud to help inspire and develop future engineering talent.”

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, highlighted the importance of such initiatives:

“Saab UK is driven to support the next generation of defence and engineering talent. Initiatives like this give young people across the UK the chance to push their abilities, build confidence in their skills and creativity, and take meaningful steps toward future careers in our industry.”

A Look Ahead

As the winning teams prepare for the National Finals, they will refine their rockets and strategies to compete against other regional champions. The UKROC competition is set to see over 1,600 schoolchildren from across the UK participate in nine regional events this year. The ultimate winners will advance to the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, where they will compete against teams from the United States, Japan, and France for the title of International Youth Rocketry Champions.

About UKROC

The UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 11 to 18 from various educational backgrounds to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By participating, students not only gain practical engineering skills but also learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

As the competition continues to grow, it serves as an inspiring platform for students to explore careers in the aerospace and engineering fields, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for future success.