The head examiners may read them (5)
I believe the answer is:
bumps
'the head examiners' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bumps that I've seen before include "Hits" , "Small protuberances; knocks lightly into" , "Knocks (given on one's birthday?)" , "birthday routine" , "Annual treat, maybe" .)