Crossword Genius

What may start a sentence in English at school, say (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

subject

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'school say' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for subject that I've seen before include "Theme, topic" , "A national - topic of discussion" , "Person under 26?" , "One is under the authority of royalty" , "issue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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