Secondary schools in Bristol are facing their biggest re-organisation in the past 40 years to repair the city's reputation for education.

All 20 of the city's secondary schools are facing "review" and will have to justify their existence if they are to survive beyond the next few years.

Bristol City Council says drastic action must be taken because Bristol's 16-year-olds have been performing far worse in exams than pupils from similar cities elsewhere in the UK.

But the council has stressed that "review" does not necessarily mean closure - other options could include mergers, rebuilding, extra facilities, or even a brand new school for the north of the city.

Although no schools have been named for closure, the BBC understands that three - Lockleaze, Fairfield and Lawrence Weston - are thought to be most vulnerable because they are small.

House price fear

The council wants to consult the public on an unprecedented scale before drawing up a list of options for councillors to choose from next year. Politicians are keen for a public debate to begin immediately, as to just what should happen.

Part of the problem is that around 6,000 children from Bristol attend more successful private schools in Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath.

These include some of Bristol's best-performing children, increasing the difficulty for Bristol schools trying to improve their results.

Some parents are content with local primary schools but are willing to send their children elsewhere or even move home to ensure they get the secondary education of their choice.

The news means that for the next year at least, parents will not know for how much longer any secondary school will exist. The announcement has also sparked fears that house prices could be affected.