He can always make the grade (5)

I believe the answer is:

edgar

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'he can always' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'make the grade' is the wordplay.
'make' is an anagram indicator.
'grade' anagrammed gives 'EDGAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for edgar that I've seen before include "- Wallace, Eng. thriller writer" , "10th-century king" , "Grade (anag)" , "King of England" , "character in King Lear" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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