This specially commissioned collection of perspectives offers an analysis of the new organisation of the teaching profession - reconstructed around the notion of performance and the implications of a performance culture. The Performing School examines the roots, directions and implications of the new structure by drawing together insights from policy, research and practice at this time of rapid change and debate. This unique volume addresses three interconnected issues of modernisation and education: *what is the background to and significance of performance management in modernising schools and teachers at the present time? *what are the likely future effects of a performance culture on teaching, learning and schooling? *what will it take to ensure that performance management improves pedagogy and professionality beyond the narrow confines of performativity, managerialism and market reform in education?