A HEADTEACHER with a track record for success has been hired to take charge of a troubled school.

Michael Griffiths, chief executive of Deacon's School, in Peterborough - one of the most successful schools in the country - has been appointed to guide Middlesbrough's Unity City Academy through the next stages in its development.

The academy was one of Prime Minister Tony Blair's new breed of super schools.

Its first principal, Eddie Brady, recently left the school, which has had to increasingly rely on supply teachers to take lessons.

Its GCSE achievement rate this year showed a one per cent improvement on performance in A to C grades compared with the two secondary schools it replaced.

The threat of job losses because of changes to the curriculum has concerned teaching unions while the high number of pupil exclusions last term caused the local education authority concern.

Mr Griffiths, 50, will work with Lesley Humphries, who took over as acting principal after Mr Brady's departure.

He saw Deacon's School gain Government Beacon status in 1999, and then become one of the country's first "Leading Edge" schools last year.

It has been recognised by education watchdog Ofsted as an outstanding school and regularly gains special achievement awards for its examination performance.

His agreement to take on the role of chief executive of the Unity academy until next summer was welcomed by the chairman of the Academy Trust Joe McCarthy.

He said it was "a very clear message that everyone involved with the school is determined to see it delivering the highest quality education to the local community.''

Mr Griffiths said: "In my brief period at the academy I have already been greatly impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of staff, coupled, of course, with superb modern facilities in the new building.

"I think everyone who cares about providing the best possible education for our young people should recognise the tremendous opportunity to create a school which really can match the best in the country."

Mr McCarthy said: "I feel sure we can benefit greatly from his experience and enthusiasm.'