Improving the quality of education is a permanent concern for national policymakers. In that regard, a growing number of education systems have implemented a monitoring system where pupils have to take standardised tests at regular intervals during their school career (OECD, 2013). This article aims to offer food for thought to the readers of "Management in Education" on the topic of central examinations (CE), in introducing a point of view from an education system that differs strongly from the English education system.