PUPILS at two schools in the district could be picked to represent the UK in an aerospace competition.

Ormiston Rivers Academy and William De Ferrers School have both reached the final round of the UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge.

The winning team from the final will go forward to represent the UK as it competes against the USA, Japan and France at Farnborough International Airshow in July.

Working with strict measurement conditions and a target altitude of 850 feet, the students had to design and build a rocket, which would carry two raw eggs and return them safely to the ground.

Teams also gained an insight into the aerospace industry’s engineering design and testing processes.

More than 185 students and 34 teams from across the UK took part in preliminary rounds of the national competition.

Organised by ADS Group, UK trade organisation for space and aerospace industries, the UK’s largest youth model rocket competition is now in its tenth year and sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Caroline Anderson, Science Teacher at Ormiston Rivers Academy, said: “We are thrilled to get through to the national finals, it has been great fun along the way.

“It’s been a brilliant way to apply maths and science lessons away from the classroom, challenging the students’ capabilities.”

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS Group said: “Congratulations to William de Ferrers School and Ormiston Rivers Academy, I wish them all the very best at the national final.

“The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge gives the next generation of engineers an opportunity to understand complex challenges overcome by engineers working in our industries.

“There is a range of exciting, high-skill and well-paid career opportunities within aerospace and space for young people with strong maths and science qualifications. This competition is a great way for young people to engage creatively with these subjects.”