As every year, the administration of this year’s SATs raises issues of how our current accountability system can be rendered more useful, trustworthy and humane. For primary and secondary schools, change at three levels, and in relation to three questions, is required. It will not be easy or uncontentious. Realistic compromises will have to made by government, by Ofsted and by the teaching profession. The present fraught and febrile situation cannot continue. It is serving to inhibit innovative practice as well as contributing massively to the current malaise affecting both primary and secondary education.