Exam Nation: Why Our Obsession with Grades Fails Everyone - and a Better Way to Think About School

School should equip children for adulthood. In reality, it means one thing: exams. Exam Nation sets out a better way - and, crucially, shows us how we might get there.

'An essential read - as entertaining as it is insightful - for anyone who cares about the way we treat young people ... Brilliant' OBSERVER

Educationalist and Head of School Sammy Wright argues that grades, rankings and Ofsted reports all miss the point of school, and together they are undermining our whole approach to education. Rather than sorting pupils into winners and losers, we need to think differently about what our schools are actually for - to see them as communities not factories - if we are to give all young people the opportunities and future they deserve.

'Such a compelling read' TELEGRAPH

'Deeply absorbing ... Wright deserves the highest marks' FINANCIAL TIMES

'Extraordinary ... The book education has been waiting for' LAURA MCINERNEY

'Persuasive ... He is clearly a superb teacher' SAM FREEDMAN, LITERARY REVIEW

Paperback / softback | 304 pages | Published August 2025