ELAS Essay Competition
In Memory of Kodjo Ayebi-Kwakye
Essay Competition 2026
The ELAS Essay Competition 2026 has now concluded.
Our three winning essays can be accessed at the links below:
This inaugural competition was held in memory of Kodjo Ayebi-Kwakye (1954-2023). Kodjo used the power of education to transform his life. He travelled to Britain from Ghana in the 1980s on an Oxford scholarship, upon which he built a career defined by resilience, service, and a commitment to helping others overcome barriers.
As a lawyer and a leader in special educational needs provision for more than two decades, Kodjo supported families, professionals and local authorities with clarity, compassion and integrity. He helped shape better outcomes for children with SEN and ensured that young people received the support they needed to thrive.
His legacy continues to inspire The Education Law Association. This essay competition has been created in his memory to highlight emerging voices, empower future leaders in education law and give students a platform to challenge, evolve and strengthen the frameworks that shape our education system.
Kodjo received an opportunity that changed the course of his life. Through this competition, ELAS hoped to offer candidates the chance to begin shaping theirs.