The approach taken over the past decade to introduce minimum primary school standards in Vietnam is reviewed, with annual school audits that measured both input (quality) and output indicators.It describes a successful, context specific approach in which flexible data systems were used to support the evolution and adoption of a new set of standards. A rich multiyear data set has enabled impact analysis, equitable investment planning and test hypotheses on the variables within the ‘black box’ of a classroom that influence learning.Institutional challenges presented in mainstreaming and evolving standards are contrasted with international best practice on raising standards.