Crossword Genius

Make certain last date becomes satisfactory (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ensure

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'make certain' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'last date becomes satisfactory' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'satisfactory' could be 's' (abbreviation in education) and 's' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'enure' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ensure that I've seen before include "warrant" , "Make certain, clinch" , "Make certain or safe" , "Make certain for the future" , "Make certain, confirm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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