At a time when much of our school system is being driven by the various elements of high stakes accountability - graded observations, performance management, league tables and a punitive inspection system - John not only highlights the folly of this approach, but crucially, he articulates with great clarity, an alternative. Drawing on his personal and professional experience he argues that we need to remove fear from the system, develop cultures that focus on the learning of leaders, teachers and pupils and create schools which are exciting, challenging and supportive places to work and learn.