Possible Clues:

• Apprentice, e.g.
• A fellow who wins pounds, though just a novice
• Student's left a well-paid job
• Left one gainfully employed as an apprentice
• One that won't stand up is about right with a plate
• Disciple of the French finding English composer first-rate
• Student making a bob or twenty?
• One would like to get rid of plates
• Student left good job
• Student of English composer in Leicester's outskirts