Knowledge test for elite classes (6)

I believe the answer is:

gentry

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'elite classes' is the definition.
'gentry' can be an answer for 'classes' (I have seen 'Privileged classes' mean 'gentry' so perhaps 'classes' could also mean 'gentry'). I am not certain of the 'elite' bit.

'knowledge test' is the wordplay.
'knowledge' becomes 'gen' (I've seen this before).
'test' becomes 'try' (synonyms).
'gen'+'try'='GENTRY'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gentry that I've seen before include "people of breeding show" , "aristocrats" , "Class next below nobility" , "Upper class types" , "Nobs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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