How to resign from your teaching job
The final teacher resignation date is fast approaching, and many of you will have made the exciting decision to hand in your notice and embark on a new challenge. Whether you want to find a new teaching role or want to leave education altogether, here is everything you need to know about handing in your resignation as a teacher.
Why do teachers have such long notice periods?
Deadline day isn’t just a football term. Teachers are subject to strict rules and deadlines when it comes to handing in their notice, outlined in the Burgundy Book (the handbook containing essential information about your rights as a teacher). Although it seems as though teachers have to work an unusually long notice period compared to other professions, it is necessary in order to make sure that there is plenty of time to find a suitable replacement and ensure they are up to date with the school’s policies and ways of working. It is especially important for those teachers leaving part-way through the year, to make sure there is sufficient time to prepare pupils – and parents - for the change of teacher.
When do I need to resign by?
Teachers are expected to leave their posts at the end of one of the three school terms. Therefore, teachers planning to leave their current positions should hand in their notice as follows:
- Autumn Term: to leave on 31 December (Christmas), give notice no later than 31 October
- Spring Term: to leave on 30 April (Easter), give notice no later than 28/29 February
- Summer Term: to leave on 31 August (end of the school year), give notice no later than 31 May
Although these rules are generally the same for every school, it is important that you double check your contract and individual school’s policies before handing in your notice. Term dates will vary across different parts of the country and those in senior leadership roles may be required to give more notice. Try to give the school as much notice as possible so that they have time to find a suitable replacement. Teaching is an important role, and the new candidate must be the right fit for the school.
What should I include in my resignation letter?
Your resignation letter should be clear and concise, without unnecessary waffle. Start off by saying that you are informing the headteacher of your intention to resign and include the date of your last working day. You do not have to explain your reasons for resigning, but you might want to explain that you are moving to a new school for career progression or that you are looking for a new challenge.
No matter the circumstances of your leaving, the letter should be polite, and you should express gratitude for the opportunity and experiences you received during your time in the role. You might want to reference the opportunities for professional development that you were given, and express particular thanks to the headteacher and leadership team for their support.
Overall, make sure that you end on a positive note and send best wishes to the school and its staff for the future. Remember that you will most probably be needing references from your current employer and it’s never a good idea to leave a workplace under a cloud of negativity.
Will I be paid during my notice period?
You will be paid up until your last day of work, even if it does fall in the school holidays, provided that you have given sufficient notice.
If you are starting a new job before the end of the school term (for example if you leave at the end of summer term and start a new non-teaching role during the summer holidays), you may need to request an earlier end date with the school.
Can I leave without giving notice?
This does happen. Circumstances change and teachers may need to leave their position as soon as possible. Whether you will be allowed to do this depends on the individual school, as technically leaving without notice is a breach of contract. This may lead to the school giving you a bad reference and possibly even taking legal action.
Try to stick to the notice periods outlined above, however if you really do need to leave as soon as possible, speak to your headteacher, and see if you can come to an agreement. Remember, you can always contact your union regarding this issue for more specific advice.
Am I entitled to time off for interviews?
This will come under your school’s special leave policy, so be sure to check this for your individual workplace. Most headteachers will allow you time off for interviews, as long as the requests are reasonable.
Do I need to find a new job before I resign?
You may want to find a role to go to before you hand in your resignation, but due to the long notice period required for teachers, this isn’t always possible.
If you have handed in your resignation and you need support with finding your next teaching role, Eteach can help - visit our jobs board and register to receive vacancies straight to your inbox.
You could also consider supply teaching; this is a great way to gain experience of a wide range of schools, a good income stream to support you until you find a permanent position or even a new, more flexible approach to your teaching career.
Whatever you may decide – good luck!
About the author
Emma Johnston
After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.
