I don't think a meritocracy requires the formal education system we have. I'm sure the top trades people in ancient times were high in society.

Also I don't think we have the meritocracy people claim we have. Being born into a well connected wealthy family is such a huge head start. And some of the people at the top seem to have little merit, for example the kardashians seem to be famous because they're famous. Not to pick on them but they are a public example of how money gets money.