Hayle Academy, for boys aged 11-16, opens on September 6 and will be the only school in the UK to offer Judo as a main sport. It holds its first Open Day on Saturday April 21, from 10am to 3pm.

Founded by Malcolm Burkett, a judo exponent and businessman, Hayle Academy in Cornwall will sporting, cultural and academic excellence - all within a secure "home from home" environment with acres of outdoor space by the sea.

The Open Day will enable visitors including prospective pupils and their parents, local residents and all interested parties to see around the school buildings, which were formerly a convent and talk to the headmaster.

Headmaster Edward Yeats-Brown said: "At Hayle Academy, we are committed to giving the children a first class education in the widest sense of the word. Small class sizes, specialist teachers and the family atmosphere all combine to help produce an unpressurised environment where the boys can grow' as people. Excellent exam results are expected and important, but education isn't just about being able to pass an exam at a particular, artificial time; it is about teaching the children to think for themselves, have opinions and research for themselves with a spirit of genuine curiosity and independence within a supportive environment. Our small classes and individual approach will enable us to achieve this."

Edward and his wife Joanna, a mathematics teacher, are very excited at the prospect of leading Hayle Academy.

Boys will enter at age 11 into Year 7 following interview, but entry is welcomed in any of years 7 to 11.

By the end of Year 9, the boys will have decided on their GCSE options for study in Years 10 and 11 and these will be finalised following guidance from the staff and consultation with parents and pupils.

In addition to judo, which will be coached by professionals, may other sports will be on offer as will music and fishing or car restoration.