The Roman Ridge School (TRRS) has once again set an exceptional benchmark, achieving unprecedented success in the 2024 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

During a special awards ceremony held at the school, TRRS celebrated securing a remarkable 231 medals, making it the top-performing school in Africa and one of the best globally in the competition.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, established in 1883 by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international essay competition for schools.

The 2024 edition, themed "Our Common Wealth," attracted 34,939 entries from 54 Commonwealth countries.

TRRS, contributing 622 entries, achieved an impressive medal tally that included 129 Bronze, 78 Silver, and 20 Gold awards, with four students—Klenam Asem (Form 5 West), Maame Afia Agyei (Form 2 Atifi), Ryan Nii Ofori Arday (Form 4 West), and Ivanna Addison (Form 3 East)—shortlisted as Gold Medal Finalists for the Overall Global Prize.



Record-Breaking Achievements



During the ceremony, TRRS Principal, Mrs. Valerie Mainoo, highlighted the school’s record-breaking performance, which included:



1. Highest participation of any school in the Commonwealth.

2. Highest number of medals of any school in Africa.

3. Consistent ranking among the top-performing schools in the Commonwealth.

She praised the dedication of students, staff, and parents, crediting their collective effort for this extraordinary accomplishment.

Distinguished Guests and Messages
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including:

• Mr. Keith McMahon, Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana.

• Mr. Harry Sintim-Aboagye, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh/Head of State Award Board of Trustees.

• Dr. Frank B. Adu Jnr, Chairman of the TRRS Board of Directors.

• Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, Chair of the TRRS Academic Board of Governors.

In her special message, Rev. Dr. Aryee emphasised the importance of literacy as a cornerstone of human progress.

“It is the key that unlocks the doors of knowledge, empowering us to explore the vast expanse of human thought and creativity,” she stated.

Mr. McMahon, serving as the Special Guest, congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to use their talents for the betterment of their communities.

He urged them to lead with kindness and compassion, reminding them that even small actions can inspire significant change.

Commitment to Excellence

TRRS expressed its gratitude to the Royal Commonwealth Society for providing a platform that elevates youth voices and fosters creativity across the Commonwealth.

The school reaffirmed its mission to nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers, preparing them to thrive in a globally interconnected world.

As a pioneering private co-educational institution established in 2002, TRRS continues to deliver world-class education rooted in the British Preparatory and Independent School system while staying firmly connected to Ghanaian culture.

With accolades such as being the first accredited Independent Preparatory School in West Africa and maintaining inspection standards by the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), TRRS remains a beacon of academic excellence and leadership development.

This year’s success in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition cements The Roman Ridge School’s position as a leading institution committed to empowering its students to achieve greatness on both local and global stages.