  This paper proposes an alternative educational accountability system for
England that moves away from simplistic comparisons, or league tables, among
schools towards a more nuanced reporting at a level of education authorities or
other school groupings. Based upon the sampling of pupils within schools, it
proposes the use of quantitative pupil assessment data as screening devices
that provide evidence within an integrated accountability system that includes
inspection. At the same time, it aims to provide a richer set of data than
currently available for research as well as accountability purposes. We argue
that if carefully implemented within a context of school improvement, such a
system has the potential to largely eliminate the deleterious side effects and
curriculum distortions of the present system. While being proposed within the
context of the current English secondary school system, the proposals will have
relevance for other phases of schooling and similar systems in other countries.
