Be better than, at schoolwork? (8)

I believe the answer is:

outclass

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'be' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for outclass that I've seen before include "Thrash" , "Be a cut above" , "Surpass greatly, be in a superior category" , "Be far superior to (someone)" , "Eclipse" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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