The unclued lights are three sets of three words of a kind, all linked by a theme word represented by one clued answer which must be highlighted.
Across
1 Where pupils are receiving gentle hugs (8)
8 Finished structure erected in triumph (4)
11 Goal to renovate new hotel figures in Levantine region (5,7)
12 Fulminating, bottling tree secretion (5)
16 Reversing truck, beginning to indicate in case (4)
18 Repeat welcoming son is flipping tender? (6)
22 Elegist with reportedly appropriate colour (5,4)
23 Mostly love to put on underwear that’s warmer (7)
24 Journalist penning book rejected break (6)
25 Have enticement to make material for bard (6)
27 Part of France in atlas, new capital to the west (7)
29 Shame about whole papers lacking colour (9)
32 Marsh plant is seized by dancing girl (6)
33 Stars in reading room out of line (5)
36 Almost begrudged crossing two lakes in town (2,5)
37 Drink with officer in military cap (5)
38 Alas, we bemoan poor rating (4,8)
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