Our Education system was designed for a bygone age. As you say it needs to be rethought from the bottom up. Sadly the buzzwords of 'traditial values' 'back to basics' etc etc are harking back to this outdated model rather than creating something for today and the future. Listenig to politicians...
By the real world, I assume you mean the world created by successive right leaning governments?
If only there were other options.
You get what you vote for.