(Why) are schools seems to occupy much more prominent place in British literature?

I am reading "Never let me go", and I feel like this is a reoccurring theme that people are defined by their school much more than by later life experiences.

I feel, like this notion permuates British literature/art in general, but I can't think of many examples besides Harry Potter.

Do you think my observations is right? What is the reason then?

Or it's just two books about childhood and they do not constitute any trend?