English speaking room

And some words about “form” with my short introduction.
I remember when I came to the UK and met my stepdaughter and grandson for the first time I asked Kyle in what form he was in. He didn’t understand my question though I repeated it again. So I used the word “grade” instead – and he understood. But after having lived here for 4 years I know now that neither “form” nor “grade” are used in modern educational system of the UK. The word “year” is used in this sense. I wouldn’t like to make an unsubstantiated statement that’s why there is a reference to the governmental site. Sorry can’t give you the full link to open it at once as it won’t work this way. That’s why it will be step by step www.direct.gov.uk > Parents > Schools, learning and development > Understanding the National Curriculum
Then through yandex.ru I used an access to Oxford and Cambridge Dictionaries and what I have found:
Oxford Dictionary – “year” (one of the meanings) – “a set of students grouped together as being of roughly similar ages, mostly entering a school or college in the same academic year: most of the girls in my year were leaving at the end of the term”.
Cambridge Dictionary – “UK a group of students who start school, college, university or a course together
Kathy was in the year above me at college”.
And today I have seen my grandson and we discussed it as well. The word “form” is usually used now only in regard to “the 6th form”. Looking for information on internet I saw the 6th form on the sites of some high schools in England. The 6th form is in grammar schools, high Catholic schools and etc. but not in ordinary secondary schools as it an additional compulsory year for preparation to enter colleges and universities.
Zhenya, I am grateful to you for your question as it prompted me to find interesting information and learn about the things around me (I used the right words but automatically).