The system was similar when I went through it. I did ok, and if I never really thought about it, I might join the ranks of those who say it wasn't perfect but it did me no harm. Of course, that will be true for many, but for many others, it did enormous harm, side-lining really bright kids because they somehow didn't fit in the boxes that were available; children basically funnelled down particular life routes whether it was what they wanted or not, based essentially on the prejudices of the time. It's still not perfect now but it's so much better. It's one of those areas where I would like to see regulations giving educationists the upper hand over politicians. We have had some really damaging meddling.