Possible Clues:

• Observed college is backed by deputy head
• Let one's attention drift round the heartless and illustrious
• Famous college set up by duke
• Esteemed
• Famous but unable to make the final decision?
• Recorded how the seated went to sea?
• You'll remember that's no end of a 20 down
• Well-known college rejected daughter
• Widely known and esteemed
• Famous refusal by Mr Heath