It's a state school which is dedicated to grooming rugby stars of the future: while making sure studies don't suffer.

And it seems to be working for Robert Clack of Dagenham, who win the Evening Standard Schools 1st XV Team of the Month award for September.

The trail-blazing comprehensive runs a new academy which has attracted star players from the area to sixth form: nevertheless, the boys are told that academic work comes first and boys are rested from the first team if they fall behind with studies.

Although they top the league, it's their enterprise which has clinched the award. Academy manager Dave Maudsley said: "This is fantastic news."

Standing at back from left to right are: B. Sharples, C. Baker, B. Reece, R. Lawal, L. Pruce, J. Smith, K. Lamina, Mr. Robinson, D. Peasnell, D. Samson, D. Webber, F. Olusanya, A. Pitts, R. McFarlane, D. Curtis, J. Cook, J. Annansingh, S. Turner, R. Inwood, J. Quirke, L. Wilkins, B. Kelleher, C. Stephens.
Kneeling at front from left to right are: B. Driver, B. Simmons, J. Charakupa, G. Warren, D. Stephens, J. Jones, F. Lewis, W. Darnell, S.
Corleys, M. Duncan, R. Honey, A. Wilson.

Head Coach Mark Robinson, also of Barking Rugby Club, has put huge emphasis on "positive life choices" and the academy's success on the
pitch has so far been reflected in the classroom.

The Essex boys notched early wins against Queens, Burnham Grammar, Saffron Walden and John Fisher. They followed this up with wins over Enfield Grammar in the Daily Mail Cup and RGS Colchester.

Robert Clack narrowly edged out Cranbrook, another newcomer at the top of the league. Having come back from a successful tour of New Zealand the team have won eight games on the trot.

Their best wins have come against Duke of Yorks 94-0, Sevenoaks 65-0 and Bishop Stortford HS 24-0. They are also through to the second round of the Daily Mail.

A mobile pack of forwards work tirelessly to set the platform for backs, led by captain Hugh Alderwick, who have the ability to strike close or wide.

Robert Clack academy had set out their stall at the Campion pre-season tournament. They beat Royal Hospital, Brentwood, Colchester Royal
Grammar and, in a thrilling climax, finished by beating hosts Campion.

One of the outstanding academy players has been full-back Jack Quirke who has also shown his class for Barking 1st XV, playing in the National League.

Robinson and Maudsley are both confident that the
academy members have already bought into the ethos of the Academy and have made the necessary adjustments to their lifestyles to move forward.

Dan Webber, Academy 1st XV captain, said: "Team sport, as with life, is all about accountability and we have made ourselves accountable to the school we represent, our academy and everyone involved in it".

The Robert Clack Sixth Form is part of the North East Consortium (made up of Robert Clack School of Science, All Saints Catholic School and Technology College, Eastbrook Comprehensive School and Warren School).

While studying in the consortium, members of the academy are directed into a personal development programme that is geared primarily to ensuring that his capacities and abilities as a rugby
player are maximised - covering the entire spectrum of the professional player.

Once a student has successfully gained a place he
is required to study a minimum of two A-levels of choice (subject to availability) and General Studies.

To nominate a team for October's award, e-mail
schoolsrugby@standard.co.uk explaining briefly why your team deserve the award.

Full results and the Evening Standard Super League table can be found at www.SchoolsSports.com