ABSTRACT
The William Tyndale junior and infants schools were located in the St Mary’s Ward of inner-city Islington. They were also based near the then home of most national newspapers, Fleet Street. The saga began in the spring of 1973 with the resignation of the incumbent head-teacher of the junior school. Terry Ellis took up the post in January 1974. Within two terms, the school had hit crisis point. How was this possible within such a short period of time? One needs to examine the crucial role played by a recent appointee, Brian Haddow, a part-time teacher, Mrs Walker, and Terry Ellis. Brian Haddow took up his post in January 1974 and the acting head, Mrs Chowles, returned to her post of deputy. Supported by Brian Haddow, the head initiated a series of debates about teaching methods and the function of schools in society. Divergent views were expressed about whether the role of education was to provide working-class children with generic life-skills, or whether it was merely a means for ensuring that children conformed to the status quo. The left-wing connotations were deliberate. There were heated disagreements about how the school should be run and also the decision-making mechanisms in place for staff as a group. Mr Ellis wanted to widen school democracy and suggested that the position of head-teacher should be abolished and decisionmaking handed over to staff. Whilst majority decision-making mechanisms were not established, teachers who opposed Mr Ellis were marginalised. In fact, Mr Ellis informed the deputy that her role was no longer of any significance and ostracised Mrs Walker.
