For over a quarter of a century there has been a creeping marketization of the English education system. No part of the system remains unscathed. In this article the consequences of marketization are set out clearly and alternative models of the future are presented. The author calls for another "Great Debate"--but one that mobilises community enthusiasm for the aims of education and which seeks to refashion an education system based on a clear commitment to the public good. The condition of English education is critical. It has been weakened by pathological marketization and is in desperate need of treatment to restore it to health. In this article, the author tries to diagnose the disease, describes some of its symptoms and effects on various parts of the system and finally offers two possible prognoses for the patient; a turn for the worse and the start of a recovery.