Young people can be born into disadvantage or develop disaffection through a complex series of events. Society must not watch silently as an imposed regime of targets, testing, league tables and inspection force schools to contribute to increasing the deficit or widening the achievement gap. Current policies, caused by an inappropriate market model and micromanagement for political ends, are set to destroy the power of education to provide opportunities for happiness, achievement and success. In times when gloom and misery threaten to engulf many vulnerable individuals, teachers and support staff in schools sustain light in their communities. They are committed to the educational process of raising expectations, encouraging and praising individuals and celebrating success. They need the freedom and resources to empower young people to take control of their own lives and enhance the lives of those around them.