Novices, beginners (9)

I believe the answer is:

neophytes

I believe this is a double definition.

'novices' is the first definition.
(neophyte is a kind of novice)

'beginners' is the second definition.
(neophyte is a kind of beginner)

(Other definitions for neophytes that I've seen before include "Newcomers" , "Novices" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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