Possible Clues:

• Didn't make the grade
• Was sick at last of not having passed
• Was unsuccessful, did not pass exam
• Did not succeed, perhaps at exam
• Did not get to get 17 down at last (6)
• Needed to retake, maybe
• 'Lost one's head and got sick, so did not pass (6)'
• Didn't make it - not well
• Not passed the food around to be sick
• DidnÕt work out