Crossword Genius

Small collars said to be for schoolboys (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scholars

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'schoolboys' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scholars that I've seen before include "People of great learning in particular subject" , "They study" , "Cross Hal mixed with pupils" , "Learned people, usually academics" , "Learned people who have studied long" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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