Crossword Genius

A senior teacher winning (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ahead

'winning' is the definition.
(both can mean in the lead)

'a senior teacher' is the wordplay.
'senior teacher' becomes 'head' (headteacher).
'a'+'head'='AHEAD'

(Other definitions for ahead that I've seen before include "In front as in race" , "What's down the road" , "advanced" , "In the vanguard" , "Winning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app