Boys initially distribute exam, one marked before new term? (6,5)

I believe the answer is:

ballot paper

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'one marked before new term?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'boys initially distribute exam' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'distribute' becomes 'allot' (allotting is a kind of distributing).
'exam' becomes 'paper'.
The first letter of 'boys' is 'b'.
'b'+'allot'+'paper'='BALLOT PAPER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ballot paper that I've seen before include "On which to record one's vote" , "Voting slip" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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