This paper argues the need for new ideas to assist in the creation of a new social imaginary post-neo-liberalism to frame rethought educational systems, policy and schooling. This is an attempt to reclaim progressive, democratic and social justice purposes for schooling well beyond dominant human capital renditions. While acknowledging the significance of ideas to this agenda, the paper also acknowledges that more socially just schooling systems will only be achieved when policy also confronts the extent of social inequality within any nation. The focus is ideas for practice.