Sun Tel Cryptic 2960

[chokkie]

Really having trouble with this one today ... can you help, please ...

1a way to achieve entrance as backward children, English learners (8)
?o???e??
13d given legal status supporting African country's education (10)
n???????e?

16d it helps to know one's place when one returns to work (8) ??0???r?

23a odd man is absurdly appearing in suit (8) ?????n??

24d benefit from something made from rice (4) ??k?

Many thanks, Chox.

[Lie-in King]

1a Doorbell - 'brood' (back) + 'E(nglish) ll(earners)'
13d For-Mali's-ed(ucation)
16d Bookmark
23a Diamonds - anag 'odd man is'
24d Sake - benefit & rice wine

[donny48]

24 sake ?

[murraymints]

hellooo Donny XX..OO..XX..

[CharlesDobson]

1a). 'Backward children' could be the collective noun for a number of young be they animal or fowl. Follow this with the letter representing 'English' and two 'learners' .

[chokkie]

Thanks so much everyone, all done now - really appreciate your help today. Cheers, Chox.