Then there's issue of external moderation for certain subjects (not sure if this is still the case).
External moderation comes into effect around grade 10 to 12 from my understanding. In primary school there are no moderations if they are they done within the school. The school still has to follow the departments requirements and each facility may have different SOPs to carry out the departments directives.
But tell me, would such a person do well enough to get a university admission?
Again you looking at the situation in absolutes, why I do not know. The reason I used the medical field in this discussion is because 1) I am aware and experienced in what goes on there 2) Its an elite field that does not take thousands of students like commerce 3) It requires the best of the best from school.
Are you aware of the ratings of schools ? (i think its NFQ classifications - not sure) this also applies to point system of admission. So someone who comes from a low graded school with a C or B aggregate has a higher chance of entering these faculties than someone with a 90% aggregate who attended a private school. Now in what world do you think this produces excellence ?