The english grammar school system works alright. Around age 12 kids take a test that routes them either to higher academics or trade school. Those going the t

The english grammar school system works alright. Around age 12 kids take a test that routes them either to higher academics or trade school. Those going the trade school route can go onto higher academics if they want, so it isn't set in stone. But in general, the kids who care about academics are grouped together, and those who don't are put in another group. In this situation, doing well academically actually is looked upon favorably, more so in the single gender schools than in co-ed.