A period where one might be spotted in school? (11)

I believe the answer is:

adolescence

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'a period' is the definition.
(adolescence is a kind of period)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for adolescence that I've seen before include "Puberty" , "Period of strong growth" , "Period of youth" , "Youthful period" , "Period before adulthood" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

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