Three secondary schools in east Bristol are looking to join forces in a ground-breaking partnership.

Parents and staff are being asked for their views on plans for Bristol Metropolitan College to become an academy alongside John Cabot Academy and Bristol Brunel Academy.

The idea is for the three state-funded schools to operate independently within a new John Cabot Learning Federation.

David Carter, executive principal, said John Cabot and Bristol Brunel were already benefiting from their partnership, which began in September 2007.

He said: "The John Cabot Learning Federation will be enhanced as a result of Bristol Metropolitan Academy joining the partnership in September 2009.

"The links between John Cabot and Bristol Brunel have already contributed to both academies gaining their best ever exam results in 2008 and we are confident the same can be achieved at Bristol Met."

Theresa Thorne, head of Bristol Met, which also achieved record exam results this year, said there were unique strengths in each of the schools that could be used to increase opportunities for students across the federation.

She said: "It will give us an additional impetus to push the momentum for improvement forward."

Bristol Met, a specialist languages college, opened in its new buildings in April, replacing the former Whitefield Fishponds Community School.

If the plans go ahead, it will formally close as a local authority school in the summer and reopen immediately as an academy, just as its partner Bristol Brunel Academy – formerly Speedwell Technology College – did in 2007.

Bristol Met, which has the slogan "where worlds meet" will keep its identity and ethos, building on its links with partner primary schools and the wider community.

Parents and staff will have the chance to ask questions about the proposals at public meetings on Tuesday, January 13, at 5pm and Thursday, January 15, at 7pm.

Comments have to be submitted to the city council by January 30.

Councillor Peter Hammond, Bristol's cabinet member for schools, said: "It is really important that parents and the community take the opportunity to make their views known about the academy proposals before the end of January.

"By moving to academy status, Bristol Metropolitan College will be able to build on the excellent improvements they have already achieved.

"This exciting development ensures the sharing of best practice by the three academies in the John Cabot federation and will enhance the learning opportunities for all our students."