Seats of learning perhaps (5)
I believe the answer is:
desks
'seats' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for desks that I've seen before include "Workstations" , "Work tables" , "School-children sit at them" , "Office tables" , "Writing tables" .)