Crossword Genius

Third best exam mark secured by horribly loathsome kid in your class? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

schoolmate

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

'third best' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'exam mark secured by horribly loathsome kid in your class?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'mark' could be 'm' and 'm' is found within the answer.
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'schoole' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for schoolmate that I've seen before include "Childhood friend" , "fishwife?" , "Fellow pupil" , "Friends Reunited contact" , "childhood chum" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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