Willing, we learn, to start young? (5)

I believe the answer is:

ready

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'willing' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'learn to start young?' is the wordplay.
'learn' becomes 'read' (synonyms).
'to start' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'young' is 'y'.
'read'+'y'='READY'

'we' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ready that I've seen before include "Prepare money" , "Fully prepared" , "Willing (to do something); cash" , "Prepare < dough" , "Available now" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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