I think the system is great as well, because you’re more likely to end up with peers. It makes for a more equal playing field, and makes teenagers less insecure about their capabilities.
It’s especially great for kids who have never been particularly academic and who’d love to be done with school ASAP to do some real work. Kids get sorted into classes with different aspects. VWO is 6 years of heavy study and prepares for uni. HAVO is 5 years and prepares for higher vocational education but not uni, VMBO is 4 years and prepares for vocational education and is very orientated towards future careers in practical fields (nursing, food, administration etc).

Kids who prefer to work with their hands are really blessed with this system, because they only have to attend high school until age 16. Afterwards at the MBO they can train for a practical job in working&learning programmes. People who are bookish can also breathe a bit more easy, because the eager students are all put together at the VWO. You don’t have to be ashamed of being an eager student anymore.