Education is a means... but a means to what end is rarely asked. Education should seek to develop personality (tarbiyya) and instil knowledge (ta'leem) to allow one to live and work in society to fulfil their purpose.
In Western societies, that are typically secular, liberal and capitalist in orientation, the schooling process seeks to produce skilled workers for the economy and citizens who are apolitical, secular and liberal in their values and outlook.
Islamic education on the other hand seeks to develop personalities, teach morality and ethics, in order to live a virtuous life as an obedient servant of God.