The Unity City Academy opened in Middlesbrough in 2002

Martin Lang takes over from Eddie Brady, who resigned last year from Middlesbrough's Unity City Academy.

The academy, which is independent, but largely state-funded, is facing a cash crisis and has made staff cuts.

It was criticised for the high number of exclusions and has formed a "federation" with a nearby college in an effort to ease its cash situation.

Mr Lang, 44, has been working at Unity for the past year as a government-appointed school improvement advisor.

He said: "Already in my time at Unity I have seen that, whilst there are some tough issues facing everyone involved with the academy, the students have huge potential and I see my task as ensuring that this potential can be released and that the children themselves value their achievements.

There is no doubt that the past few months have been very tough indeed for all concerned Unity Academy chairman, Joe McCarthy

"I want to generate an ethos of hard work, mutual respect and high aspiration for each individual and the academy as a whole.

"It will not be easy, but I know from my experience at my previous school that it can happen."

Mr Lang said the proposed federation with nearby Macmillan College was "very important" for the academy's future.

Chairman of the academy trust, Joe McCarthy, said: "We now have in place a leadership team which we believe can address the major management and financial issues facing the academy, at the same time as driving forward standards of educational achievement and performance.

"There is no doubt that the past few months have been very tough indeed for all concerned."

Bob Howarth, chief executive of Macmillan College, added: "We are confident that we can work together as a strong team to improve the education for the students at Unity.

"The detailed proposals for the Federation are now being finalised and it is hoped to make an announcement in May. We see this appointment as a crucial step in the process."