Uncomplimentary reviewer, a student (8)

I believe the answer is:

critical

'uncomplimentary' is the definition.

'reviewer a student' is the wordplay.
'reviewer' becomes 'critic' (I've seen this before).
'student' becomes 'l'.
'critic'+'a'+'l'='CRITICAL'

(Other definitions for critical that I've seen before include "essential" , "Key" , "Decisive - grave" , "expressing disapproving comments" , "Captious, carping or crucial" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.