When Natasha stepped onto the field for the UK Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) at age twelve, she could not have predicted that a model rocket launch would set the trajectory for her entire future. What began as a school STEM activity quickly transformed into a passion for engineering. Today, after outstanding GCSE results, an experience week with the European Space Agency, and securing a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, Natasha is taking her next steps as she progresses to Sixth Form at St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon.
Taking part in UKROC provided Natasha with her first taste of real technical problem solving. She played a key role in her UKROC team, driving the build process from early concepts to test flights. The competition demanded clear communication, resilience under pressure, and commitment to working through initial failures. Presenting their rocket design to sponsors at such a young age built a level of confidence that Natasha carried into every milestone that followed.
“Being part of a team when aged twelve was where everything started for me,” Natasha explains. “UKROC gave me the opportunity to test ideas in the real world and showed me how you can work to improve something over time. It was very satisfying.”
Her enthusiasm during those early competition days left a lasting impression on her teachers. Mr Iain Tinkler, who was Head of Science at Cargilfield School when Natasha competed and is now Head of Science at Caldicott School, remembers the impact of the challenge clearly:
“UKROC is an extraordinary platform for young people because it turns complex scientific ideas into something tangible and thrilling,” says Mr Tinkler. “Natasha was always dedicated and passionate about the project. Watching her take that initial interest, and build it into a stepping stone for such exciting achievements has been wonderful to see.”
The foundation built during UKROC has helped open some exciting doors. Teamwork and presentation skills she gained helped her secure a competitive placement with the European Space Agency (ESA), where she worked alongside experts on rocket recovery designs. That ESA experience provided a major boost to her technical understanding and confidence, ultimately playing a key role in her successful application for the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.
Natasha’s Arkwright scholarship reflects her interest in fluid dynamics, a branch of physics that unites two of her passions, aeronautical engineering and naval architecture. Whether analysing aerodynamic forces on a rocket or studying how water moves around a ship hull during her time as a Watch Leader on tall ships, she is fascinated by how mechanics operate in demanding environments.
“Getting the Arkwright Scholarship was brilliant, especially after juggling the application alongside my GCSEs,” Natasha says. “It was definitely a lot of hard work, but completely worth it! I am just really excited now to start exploring the industry properly, and seeing where it can all take me.”
Now in Sixth Form, Natasha is busy focusing on her A-levels and exploring degree courses and degree apprenticeships. That is, when she is not out on the water sailing or training to become a Tall Ship Watch Leader! Mrs Sarah Rollings, Head at St Helen and St Katharine, highlighted Natasha’s dedication as she embarks on this next stage:
“We are all immensely proud of Natasha securing the Arkwright Scholarship as she begins her Sixth Form studies,” says Mrs Rollings. “Her drive, curiosity, and commitment to engineering are inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where her dedication and ambition take her next.”
Reflecting on her journey from those early rocketry launches to her current engineering ambitions, Natasha strongly encourages other students to get involved in UKROC:
“If you are thinking about entering UKROC, you should absolutely go for it,” Natasha adds. “It took my interest in science and turned it into an exciting path for my life. You gain skills in teamwork and problem solving that stay with you forever, and you might just discover what you want to do for the rest of your career.
Thank you to Natasha, Rachel, Iain Tinkler, Sarah Rollings and Alex Orr for contributing to this story.
Want to share your experience? Email us ukroc@adsgroup.org.uk.
