Meaning & use
sixth-form
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Meaning
nouncountable or uncountableBritish
In the UK, the final two years of secondary school, when students prepare for A-levels or similar exams.
Grammar: Can be used as a countable noun (a sixth form) or uncountable (in sixth form). Often written with a hyphen: sixth-form.
Patterns
- in sixth form
- sixth-form college
- a sixth-form student
She decided to stay on at school for sixth form to study biology and chemistry.
The sixth-form students are preparing for their university applications.
He transferred to a sixth-form college to take different subjects.
Word forms
| plural | sixth forms |
|---|
Common combinations
- sixth-form college
- Many students go to a sixth-form college instead of staying at their school.
- sixth-form student
- The sixth-form students organized a charity event.
- in sixth form
- She is in sixth form now, studying three A-levels.
- sixth-form education
- The government is reviewing funding for sixth-form education.
Synonyms and how they differ
- senior year
- Used in the US for the final year of high school or college; 'sixth form' is specific to the UK system.
- college
- In the UK, 'college' can sometimes refer to sixth-form college, but it also means other institutions; 'sixth form' is more precise.
Commonly confused: sixth-form or sixth grade?
sixth-form vs sixth grade
In the US, 'sixth grade' is the sixth year of school, for children around 11–12 years old. 'Sixth form' is for students around 16–18 in the UK.
Practice
In the UK, students usually enter ______ at the age of 16.
Choose one answer.
In the UK, 'sixth form' is the final stage of secondary school for 16–18 year olds. 'Sixth grade' is a US term for 11–12 year olds, and the other options are not standard terms for this stage.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sixth-form”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.