This article presents a study that aimed to understand the contributions of self-evaluation (SE) processes towards the development of curricular and social justice and educational improvement. The study focuses on data collected from the schools' external evaluation (SEE) process and from the TEIP programme (Educational Territories of Priority Intervention) implemented in Portugal, namely, 144 SEE reports from 2012/2013 and 3 interviews to the responsible people for the educational project from a TEIP school. The collected data were analysed by content analysis using NVivo software, showing that the external evaluation of education systems can be one of the pillars in achieving justice when it causes a pedagogical intervention which reaffirms the links between curriculum, teaching and students' learning. It also shows that SEE processes can have empowering potential when social justice and equity principles are present throughout its development and with the support of critical friends.