I enjoyed school, and made loads of lifelong friends. I didn't know it at the time but our school was a bit shit, one of the worst in the city. It's only after I'd left and meet others from different schools knew. Our school certainly lacked ambition, it didn't have a Sixth Form so very few went on to do A levels, as that meant going to Sixth Form college the opposite side of the City.
Our careers / further education meeting was just about which Tech College course you like to choose, or sign-up for a trade apprenticeship.
I doubt much has changed and glad not to be sending my children there.