Essay Competition 2026
In Memory of Kodjo Ayebi Kwakye
The Education Law Association is launching its inaugural essay competition in 2026 for university students across the UK.
Rules
Candidates must answer one of the following questions within the 1,000 word limit:
Is the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 fit for purpose?
How might leaving the ECHR impact education law litigation in the UK?
To be eligible, you must be enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a UK university. Bar Course students are also eligible.
The essay must be your own work, and must not be written generative artificial intelligence tools, either in whole or in part.
Answers must be submitted as a PDF or Word Document by 11.59pm on 31 March 2026 to: contact@educationlawassociation.com
The subject line of your email should read:
Surname, First Name. ELAS Essay Competition 2026 Entry
The body of your email should contain:
- Your educational institution
- Your level of study (undergraduate / postgraduate / Bar Course)
- The following declaration: “I confirm that this essay is solely my own work. I understand that ELAS has absolute discretion in determining whether an essay has been written, in whole or in part, by generative artificial intelligence“
Prizes
The monetary prizes will be as follows:
1st place – £500
2nd place – £250
3rd place – £100
In addition, each prize-winner will receive four days’ paid work experience at an education law firm or barristers’ chambers.
The Awards Ceremony will be held on the 27 April 2026 in London at an ELAS event hosted by SV Law at Impact Hub Euston (1 Triton Square, London NW1 3DX).
Flyer can be downloaded here.
About Kodjo
This inaugural competition is 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, we hope to offer candidates the chance to begin shaping theirs.