UKROC
About UKROC
UKROC, the UK Rocketry Challenge, is a national model-rocketry competition for young people ages 11–18. Teams from schools, colleges, educational institutions, and youth groups design, build, and launch a rocket carrying a fragile payload while working toward annually changing performance rules. ADS has organized the competition annually since 2006.
Teaching style
Hands-on, project-based, and team-centered. Students take responsibility for designing, building, testing, and flying their rocket, applying science, technology, math, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and project-management skills in a real competition setting.
Reputation & Succeed take
UKROC is an established national competition organized annually by ADS since 2006. Its 2026 figures report more than 1,000 participants and more than 240 rockets built and launched, while leading teams can progress from regional events to a national final and an international final.
Our take
UKROC is particularly well suited to students who want to turn STEM knowledge into a demanding, student-led engineering project. Its combination of design, construction, testing, competition launches, expert scoring, and a possible international pathway offers a practical experience with clear goals and consequences.
UKROC combines hands-on rocket engineering with a staged national competition. Teams work toward annually changing altitude, flight-duration, and payload requirements; qualifying teams advance through regional events to a national final, and the UK champion can compete internationally.
Who this provider suits
Who should choose them
Students ages 11–18 who enjoy practical STEM, aerospace, teamwork, problem-solving, iterative design, and competitive challenges should consider UKROC. It is open to eligible teams from secondary schools, colleges, educational institutions, and youth groups across the UK.
Who it may not suit
UKROC may not suit students outside the stated 11–18 age range or teams unable to take responsibility for a substantial design-and-build project, follow the current rules, obtain required BMFA insurance, or attend later-stage events if they qualify.