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Our story
From a kindergarten in a family home in 1968 to one of the leading basic schools in the North.
1968
A school that began at home
In September 1968 Mrs Jane Alhassan, an experienced teacher, began teaching a small group of children, her own among them, in the family home in Tamale.
She called it International Kindergarten and taught alongside her husband, the late Mr R.I. Alhassan. Her concern was the North itself: education had been scarce before independence.
She believed knowledge was the key to better health, nutrition and quality of life.
The school was named Alhassan Gbanzaba Memorial in honour of the late Edmund Alhassan, the first university graduate from the North, who won a scholarship to Cambridge University.
In 1997 parents asked “Auntie Jane” to add a primary school so their children could stay in her care. A junior high school followed in 2004. In early 2025 the school took the name Old Airport Ridge School, opening a new chapter while keeping its heritage.
Milestones
1968
International Kindergarten opens in the Alhassan family home in Tamale.
1997
Parents ask Auntie Jane to add a primary school.
2004
The Junior High School opens.
2007
The start of a long run of the best BECE results in the Northern Region.
2020
Nadia Chelpang Mashoud wins the National Spelling Bee.
2025
The school is renamed Old Airport Ridge School. Its scouts are named Best Scout Association in the region.
Mariama Alhassan
Chief Executive, daughter of the founder
From our Chief Executive
At Old Airport Ridge School, we carry forward a legacy of educational excellence that began with my mother, Mrs Jane Alhassan, over five decades ago. My vision is to build on her pioneering spirit by creating an institution that upholds the highest academic standards and nurtures the individuality, creativity and leadership potential of every child.
I see OARS as a beacon of opportunity in the northern educational landscape, a place where students are empowered to dream big, embrace challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. My goal is to ensure that every child who walks through our doors leaves with the knowledge, confidence and character to shape a brighter future for themselves and the Northern Region of Ghana.
Mariama Alhassan
Mission, vision and goal
Mission
To provide a conducive and nurturing environment for teaching and learning that caters to the unique needs of every child.
Vision
To be the centre of excellence in teaching and learning in the North and beyond, through continuous improvement and good management.
Goal
Every pupil is guided to succeed at every level and leaves well prepared for the next stage of their education.
What we value
Inspiring excellence. Every child matters.
Opportunity and growth
Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and succeed.
Academic and personal excellence
High standards in study, character, leadership and life skills.
Respect and integrity
Honesty and responsibility across the whole school community.
Service and leadership
Responsible citizens who contribute to their communities.
Innovation and creativity
Problem solvers who adapt to a changing world.
Our leadership
The people who guide the school today.
Jane Alhassan
Founder
Mariama Alhassan
Chief Executive
Salifu Hamza Iddrisu
Academic Head
Miss Mawusi
Headmistress
See the school for yourself
Visit OARS, meet our teachers and walk the classrooms where it all continues.