Lorrayne Hughes made executive head teacher at Workington schools
An executive head teacher has been appointed to manage two failing Cumbrian schools as they prepare to be merged into an academy.
Lorrayne Hughes will oversee Stainburn School and Southfield Technology College in Workington.
Mrs Hughes, head of William Howard School in Brampton, will take up the role on an interim basis.
It follows the resignation of Southfield's Lynda Dalkin and Stainburn's Chris McGrath.
Ms Dalkin stood down yesterday to allow a new chief "to make fast progress and not to be held up by an existing head's presence", while Mr McGrath left his post on Friday.
Both schools were earmarked for closure at the end of 2014 after being placed in special measures by education watchdog Ofsted last month.
A consultation process is under way on the plans to establish an academy.
Councillor Anne Burns, cabinet member for children's services at Cumbria County Council, said: "Mrs Hughes has extensive experience of creating and developing effective leadership teams, which is going to be crucial through the next 12 months."
The process is now under way to appoint two interim heads of school who will manage the day-to-day business of Stainburn and Southfield under the leadership of Mrs Hughes.