Pupil is tensely taking heed (6)
I believe the answer is:
listen
'heed' is the definition.
(I know that heed can be written as listen)
'pupil is tensely taking' is the wordplay.
'taking' says the answer is hidden in the clue (the answer is carried or taken by the clue).
'LISTEN' is hidden within 'pupil is tensely'.
(Other definitions for listen that I've seen before include "Harken" , "Try to hear (something)" , "Respond (to advice)" , "what buggers do" , "Respond to a request" .)