The authors define accountability broadly as a government's mechanism for holding educational institutions to account for the delivery of high quality education. The idea that the practice of accountability can contribute directly to improvements in education is a powerful one that underpins policy. Paradoxically, though, some hold that accountability systems can also produce negative impacts on education, making it more difficult for schools to deliver the sought after quality. They believe it is critical that research evidence should inform any rationales for policy change. The literature review aims to evaluate a small body of international research evidence on the impact of accountability on three key areas: (1) curriculum; (2) standards; and (3) engagement. Three appendices are included.