OLYMPIC triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards will officially open a North-East college today.

The Gateshead Harrier will open All Saints College, in Newcastle, which is the result of a collaboration between the city's Local Education Authority, the Church of England and Newcastle University.

The college, which takes in years seven to 12, is the first voluntary-controlled Church of England secondary school in the diocese of Newcastle.

It occupies the site of the former West Denton High School, which is undergoing £6m improvements in the first 18-month phase. The improvement programme includes renewing the heating system, wiring, windows, ceilings, floors and doors and the creation of a new restaurant, library, and atrium entrance.

It replaces West Denton High School, Firfield Community Secondary School, Denton Park Middle School, and Chevyside Middle School.

The college offers some novel approaches to learning. Students have been getting used to the sound of silence between their 75 minute-long lessons - there are no bells, just synchronised clocks.

The academic day starts early, at 8.15am, with breakfast available for students. It also finishes earlier so there is time for activities after 3.15pm.

All Saints principal James Colquhoun said: "We are totally committed to raising hopes and standards. The support from parents and others in the community has been nothing less than breathtaking and there is every reason to be optimistic about the future."

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend John Martin Wharton, and the city's Lord Mayor, Councillor John Marshall, will attend a service of thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, before the official opening.

Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor Christopher Edwards will join Jonathan Edwards, the lord mayor and the bishop for the opening, at noon.