A project in which three east Bristol secondary schools will join forces has is being sponsored by engineering firm Rolls Royce.

The Cabot Learning Federation, which is set to run John Cabot Academy in Kingswood, Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell and Bristol Metropolitan College in Fishponds from September, has announced it will be sponsored by Rolls-Royce and the University of the West of England (UWE).

David Carter, executive principal of the federation, said the deal would be a huge benefit to the hundreds of pupils at the three schools.

He said Rolls-Royce would use its international expertise and science and technology links to support the academies while the university would provide educational leadership alongside teaching and learning expertise.

"To have the chance to work with two major organisations from the world of education, innovation and business is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Mr Carter.

"The 2,500 students and 350 staff across the academies will have the chance to extend their experiences as a result of these partnerships and we have a fantastic future ahead as we work together to shape a new model of education in our part of the city."

The federation is being set up to govern and lead the three academies – Bristol Met will take on academy status in the summer – and to help them learn the best ways of doing things from each other.

This new way of running schools is supported by the Government as a plan to improve children's chances of success.

Schools Minister Jim Knight told the Post: "This sharing of expertise is something we want to encourage."

Rolls-Royce was the founding sponsor of John Cabot Academy. and the university has an international academic reputation.

UWE first began its involvement in city academies and trusts back in 2002, when it was the first university to sponsor a city academy.

Ron Ritchie, assistant vice-chancellor who is responsible for school partnerships at the university, said: "The university is delighted to be sponsoring the Cabot Learning Federation.

"UWE is now actively supporting initiatives at several significant points of the region's geographical and educational compass which we hope will have real impact on young people's learning and well-being."

Professor Steve West, UWE vice-chancellor, said: "We are delighted to extend our support to three of our neighbouring secondary schools in Bristol.

"If it means one extra pupil succeeding in their studies or raising their aspirations this will have been a success."