sixth form
sixth form — noun
1. the section of a British secondary school that teaches students aged 16 to 18, o
the section of a British secondary school that teaches students aged 16 to 18, offering courses such as A-levels or vocational qualifications before they leave for university or work
The sixth form at Oakwood Academy has a separate building with a quiet study lounge.
sixth form + at + [school name] — referring to the physical department
Ms. Patel teaches biology in the sixth form and also helps students with university applications.
in the sixth form — prepositional phrase for location/context
Wren joined the sixth form at Brampton Academy because it offered a graphic design course alongside traditional A-levels.
The head teacher announced a new scholarship scheme for the sixth form starting next September.
Students in the sixth form wear formal business attire instead of the standard uniform.
- upper school
a broader term used in some British schools for the senior years, not always limited to ages 16–18
- college
in British usage, a 'sixth-form college' is a separate institution for the same age group, not attached to a secondary school
文法句型
the sixth form
sixth form + noun (e.g., sixth-form student, sixth-form college)
in the sixth form
用法筆記
Only used in the British education system. In American English, the equivalent is 'high school' (grades 11–12) or 'senior high school'. Scotland has a separate system with S5–S6 instead.
常見錯誤
2. the two-year period of study in Britain for students aged 16 to 18, after taking
the two-year period of study in Britain for students aged 16 to 18, after taking GCSE exams and before going to university or starting a career, during which students typically prepare for A-levels or other advanced qualifications
Sofia stayed on for sixth form to study chemistry and biology at a higher level.
stay on for sixth form — phrasal verb + noun for continuing education
During sixth form, Tomás volunteered at a local hospital to strengthen his university application.
during one's sixth form years — referring to the two-year period
Kemi felt overwhelmed when she started sixth form because the teachers expected her to plan her own study schedule.
Vikram spent most of his second year in sixth form writing personal statements and preparing for university interviews.
Aisha found sixth form harder than her earlier years because the teachers expected independent study.
- A-levels
refers specifically to the exams taken at the end of sixth form, not the stage itself
- further education
a broader category including any post-16 study, not just the traditional A-level route
文法句型
during sixth form
in one's sixth form years
after sixth form
leave sixth form
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SCHOOL SECTION): sense 2 treats sixth form as a period or phase of education ('during sixth form', 'after sixth form'), whereas sense 1 treats it as the administrative unit ('the sixth form has a new common room'). Use sense 2 when the focus is on time or academic progression, and sense 1 when the focus is on the institution or physical setting.