Before someone reads into this that education is a bad thing, it is just the general method of teaching disparate talents, on mass, as if 'one size fits all', and if you don't fit, then it is your fault.

The added pressure of general certificates of education, without which the young are further removed from what is considered as 'success', is another important factor.

Also that to some extent, this early 'success' can be bought for some children by their parents.