1. William Michael Duane was an Irish born, British teacher known for his progressive educational views, his belief in inclusivity and a multi-racial approach, his encouragement of informal relationships between staff and pupils and his opposition to corporal punishment.
Michael Duane was the head of the controversial short-lived Risinghill School in Islington.
When Michael Duane was 7 his father died when he was shot in Waterford during the Civil War; three years later Michael Duane and his mother moved to London.
Michael Duane was educated at Dominican School at Archway, London before going to the Jesuits' School, Stamford Hill.
Michael Duane trained as a teacher at the Institute of Education, University of London, before taking up at teaching post at Dame Alice Owen's School, Islington, until he joined World War II in 1940.
In 1948 Michael Duane was appointed the head teacher of a newly opened school, Howe Dell Secondary School in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and at the time was one of the youngest heads in the country.
Michael Duane was given five years 'with no questioned asked' to establish the school.
Until the school was ready, Michael Duane was temporarily appointed the head of Beaumont Secondary Modern School in St Albans for one term.
Michael Duane took charge of Howe Dell in 1949, and implemented a democratic multi-racial progressive policy which rejected corporal punishment.
Michael Duane's policies were criticised by the authoritarian head of the school governors and he was faced with an inadequate building and pupils with varying levels of education.
Michael Duane faced further criticisms after he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and nominated as a Labour Party candidate in the local elections.
Michael Duane moved onto another headship at Alderman Woodrow Secondary Boys' School, Lowestoft, Suffolk in 1952.
In 1959, Michael Duane became the head of the comprehensive Risinghill School in Islington, the post which was to make him a famous figure.
Michael Duane was faced with shortages of staff and a poorly built building.
Michael Duane refused to expel pupils, as he felt it was illegal as secondary education was compulsory.
Michael Duane became a lecturer at Garnett College of Education and wrote and lectured on his educational philosophies.
Michael Duane died in Exeter on 21 January 1997, shortly before his 82nd birthday.
The papers of Michael Duane are held in the Archives of the Institute of Education, University of London and a full catalogue is available on-line.