Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the education system is meritocratic (30) Model answer

Model answer for the following question: 

Item B: Some sociologists, such as functionalists, claim that the education system is based on meritocratic principles and provides all pupils with the opportunity to succeed. Pupils, whatever their background, are objectively assessed through the examination process. Other sociologists claim that meritocracy is a myth. The education system ensures that existing social inequalities are reproduced in each generation

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the education system is meritocratic