12. Rocket School

Rocket School is an innovative educational initiative designed to inspire and empower young people across the UK through hands-on rocketry. Founded by a teenage World Champion rocketeer, our project aims to break down barriers to STEM engagement by providing accessible, practical, and exciting opportunities for children and teenagers to design, build, and launch their own rockets. The core of Rocket School is a structured, award-based programme, modelled on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, where participants earn badges for progressing through key rocketry skills: Design, Build, Launch, Mentor, and Compete. Our programme is open to all young people under 18, regardless of prior experience, and is completely free to join. We provide online lessons, step-by-step video guides, and curated resources that cater to three distinct age groups: under 8s, 8–12, and 13+. Our content is delivered through short, engaging videos, supported by supplementary materials and links to further learning. Rocket School also delivers in-person group workshops for youth organisations, schools, and community groups. These sessions give participants the chance to experience rocket launching first-hand, using safe, beginner-friendly equipment under expert supervision. Our workshops are scalable, supporting groups from small scout packs up to whole year groups, and are designed to be as inclusive and engaging as possible. Each session covers the basics of rocketry, safety, and the science behind flight, in some cases culminating in a live launch experience. The project is managed by me, Edward Melville. I bring both technical expertise and lived experience as a young rocket enthusiast, having represented Team GB and won gold at the World Space Modelling Championships. I am also supported by a small team. Rocket School is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive community for all young rocketeers. Our ambition extends beyond just teaching the basics: Rocket School aims to connect young people with the full range of rocketry opportunities available in the UK, from local clubs and competitions to mentoring and leadership roles.

We actively partner with existing rocketry organisations, STEM events, and competitions, and are building a network to ensure every interested child can find their place in the hobby. Funding will be used to expand our reach, develop more structured lesson content, and make our workshops accessible to a wider range of youth groups and schools. It will also help us subsidise the cost of materials, such as rocket kits and motors, so that financial barriers do not prevent participation. In summary, Rocket School is about more than just rockets: it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and opening doors to STEM for young people who might otherwise never discover their potential. With your support, we can bring the excitement and educational value of rocketry to hundreds more children across the UK.