Those top scorer countries just soooooo happen to have world lowest birthrate. Maybe it has to do with extraordinary pressure to succeed at all cost since one is baby?

maybe check out ``western`` birth rates without immigration before spouting next time

I don't think so. While I believe more in the student than the school for success, in the formative years, a good foundation is necessary, as somebody can't know better if they don't know anything.

So, a good education system's effects are compounded for younger children w.r.t. higher education.

So, these education systems need a check and tune-up to adapt them to current age and perform at their peak again.