Crossword Genius

Next form is inferior (6-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

second-class

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'inferior' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'next form' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'form' could be 'class' (synonyms) and 'class' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'second' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for second-class that I've seen before include "Not of the top group" , "B-rated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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