This is an important collection of essays that explore alternative ways forward for education. The contributions are thoughtful, committed, passionate, idealistic and, ultimately, radical. They offer moral, pragmatic and practical alternative perspectives and share a deep and abiding concern for the learning and development of children as the core focus of any education system. The range of topics covered provides a powerful resource for a fundamental critique of existing policies and taken together they offer a holistic view of an alternative future. Collectively the chapters -˜speak truth to power' and will stimulate thinking, debate and reflection about the future course of education.