A headteacher is returning to her Northampton roots to rescue an ailing church school by taking over as the new principal.

Vanessa Ray, formerly deputy head of Northampton School for Boys and currently principal of the Harris Academy, in Peckham, south London, has been appointed to run the proposed church academy at Unity College.

Mrs Ray will earn up to £125,000 at the school in Trinity Avenue, off the Racecourse, which is currently in special measures.

She will join the Church of England secondary school in September 2009, replacing Margaret Gwynne, who became principal in June this year, if full approval is given for academy status.

Mrs Ray said: "I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to be involved in the proposed Church Academy at Unity Northampton.

I am very keen to help turn it into the outstanding school I am sure it has the potential to be.

"From what I have already seen of the school it has a strong Christian ethos; students are clearly well-cared for with a strong sense of community.

"The new academy will welcome students from all faiths and none and will provide opportunities for them to develop their personal faith."

Mrs Ray has 12 years' experience of headship roles at three secondary schools, and taught business studies and maths at NSB from 1993 to 1996.

Government ministers have already given initial approval to the Peterborough Diocesan Board of Education for the change of school status which will give the college more flexibility running the curriculum.