Crossword Genius

Perform together in school, avoiding hard time (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coact

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'perform together' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for coact that I've seen is " No longer compel".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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