Like the path of the serious student? (6)

I believe the answer is:

gravel

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'like the path of' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'serious student?' is the wordplay.
'serious' becomes 'grave' (both can mean solemn).
'student?' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'grave'+'l'='GRAVEL'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gravel that I've seen before include "Loose fragments of rock" , "Rocky fragments" , "Coarse sand mixed with small stones" , "Shingle" , "Rock fragments and pebbles" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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