Very particular group seen around the French college (6)

I believe the answer is:

select

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'very particular' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'group seen around the french college' is the wordplay.
'group' becomes 'set' (both can mean a collection).
'seen around' indicates putting letters inside.
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'college' becomes 'c'.
'le'+'c'='lec'
'set' placed around 'lec' is 'SELECT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for select that I've seen before include "Choose, being special" , "Appoint" , "Excellent" , "Pick among chosen group" , "Choose from several" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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