Norman Dawson will take up the position as head in time for the new school year after the summer and will move to the area from his role as deputy head of Alloa Academy.
The forty-seven year old, who has taught all over Scotland, says he is ready to take on the school and get to know the wider community.
He told the Gazette this week: "I was very impressed with what I saw when I was shown round the school and I am looking forward to working with staff, pupils, parents and the rest of the community to continue to improve Stranraer Academy."
He added: "Having been at Alloa Academy for over 10 years, and having recently completed the Scottish Qualification for Headship, I felt the time was right to apply to become a Headteacher."
Mr Dawson has been teaching since 1981, when he earned his teaching qualification at Glasgow University, and has since taught in Renfrew, Paisley, Aberdeen and Alloa but now feels that Stranraer is the next step for him.
"I have been to Stranraer on a few occasions and everyone I have met has been very helpful and friendly," he said.
"I look forward to moving to the area and Southwest Scotland is a nice area in which to stay."
Stranraer Academy has considerably more pupils than Alloa Academy but Mr Dawson doesn't feel this poses too much of a challenge.
He said: "Previous schools where I worked have had even more pupils that Stranraer Academy. All schools are different.
"What is important is to ensure the school has the necessary facilities to cater for the number of pupils it supports."
Mr Dawson and his wife Fiona, along with their two children, will have to face the crowds of Stranraer supporters in the town but he says this is already a matter of interest for his 7-year old son.
"My son, who is mad keen on football, has started looking for the Stranraer results," said Mr Dawson.
"He was delighted when Stranraer beat Stirling Albion last week as a number of his friends are Stirling Albion supporters!"
School Board Chairman Seamus Donnelly welcomed Mr Dawson's arrival and says he thinks he will not only be good for the school but also the community.
"From a shortlist of seven, Mr Dawson came forward as the most likely to engage with the community," Mr Donnelly said.
"Stranraer Academy is certainly seen as very much a community school, and Mr Dawson recognises this."
He added: "Mr Dawson comes across as a very genuine man who will be able to extend the action plan put into place by acting head Joanna Pallet, and what we were concerned about was ensuring good continuity - we're sure we'll see that."
Mr Donnelly added that experience of socially troubled areas is something Mr Dawson has and this will stand him in good stead for tackling such issues in Stranraer.
"He is aware of the things he'll have to deal with here in terms of social deprivation and he seems keens to get on with it."
Mr Dawson's appointment comes alongside an announcement that the school's final upgrade, which will see the replacement extension of B and C blocks, is set to begin in October thanks to part of a £100 million-plus regional package dedicated to the building works.