Cryptic crossword clue
University’s new kids nursery initially has people with no reputation 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word UNKNOWNS

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
N
K
N
O
W
N
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "people with no reputation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case people with no reputation = unknowns.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does UNKNOWNS mean?

UNKNOWNS noun
  1. A variable (usually x, y or z) whose value is to be found.
  2. Any thing, place, or situation about which nothing is known; an unknown fact or piece of information.
  3. A person of no identity; a nonentity

Latest crossword clues with full explanations