The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word INTAKES
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More clues leading to the result INTAKES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Valves/successive school years" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case valves/successive school years = intakes.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 INTAKES mean?
INTAKES noun- The place where water, air or other fluid is taken into a pipe or conduit; opposed to outlet.
- The beginning of a contraction or narrowing in a tube or cylinder.
- The quantity taken in.
- An act or instance of taking in.
- The people taken into an organisation or establishment at a particular time.
- A tract of land enclosed.
- Any kind of cheat or imposition; the act of taking someone in.
- To take in or draw in; to bring in from outside.