A teacher’s guide to resigning

Resigning can be exciting but daunting, and every teacher’s resignation journey is different. The resignation process can be complex for a number of reasons: notice periods, an emotional attachment to the job, or simply finding it difficult to find a new opportunity. 

It’s not just a job you’re stepping away from, it’s the students and colleagues you’ve built relationships with along the way. Every school is different, so weighing up a new role alongside leaving your current one can feel like a lot to manage at once.

Resignation processes within education are naturally different from other industries, they have rules and regulations in place to ensure that teachers don’t suddenly leave, which means that you must follow protocol to have a smooth resignation process.

We’ve put together a guide for teachers looking to resign, highlighting the necessary steps that they must take.

Registering with an agency and scoping roles

Before resigning, it’s important to look at what jobs are out there for you. Getting an understanding of the schools in your area, the salary you’re eligible for as well as additional benefits is critical food for thought before you even consider handing in a letter of resignation. A good agency will be able to look at options for you confidentially and give you advice on what the best roles are for your experience level. 

The outcome of this may be that you’re well qualified for many positions, or your research may show that you need to invest more in your professional development before moving. Leaving a role hastily can damage your career development, so get the facts (and figures) first before considering resignation. 

Finally, it’s also important to have tenure on your CV. Especially in the earlier stages of your career, focus on longevity and building your professional experience instead of hopping between schools.

Finding a role

Once you’ve found an opportunity, it’s important to find out their start dates and be able to communicate your notice period, too. Your notice period will be found in your contract of employment.

Most teachers resign during the summer term so they can start a new role in September, when the school year begins. To leave:

• At the end of the summer term (31 August), give notice no later than 31 May
• At the end of the spring term (30 April), give notice by 28 February
• At the end of the autumn term (31 December), give notice by 31 October

However, for headteachers it’s a bit different. Their recruitment process tends to be more involved, so governing bodies are given longer to run a proper search. The deadlines for headteachers are:

• To leave at the end of the autumn term (31 December), give notice by 30 September
• To leave at the end of the spring term (30 April), give notice by 31 January
• To leave at the end of the summer term (31 August), give notice by 30 April

These dates are tied to term end dates, giving you and your school enough time to wrap up the term properly before you move on. However, It’s always worth double-checking with your current school too, as some set their own slightly different deadlines.

Once you’ve secured a new role and confirmed your notice period, you can submit your resignation letter and sign your new contract, as long as you’re within the cutoff dates above.

How to structure your resignation letter

Contrary to popular belief, your resignation letter doesn’t need to be a rendition of War and Peace! Instead, you want to keep it short and sweet.

Include your last working day, where you’re heading next, and the role you’ll be taking on. Thank your headteacher and the wider staff team, and that’s it. Hand it in person where you can, or send it by email so there’s a clear digital record.

You’re good to go!

Now you’ve done all of the heavy lifting, paperwork, and interviewing, you can see out the rest of the term, say your goodbyes, and get excited about your new role. It’s important to leave on a good note with your current school, and nurture those relationships, as they will still be crucial for your long-term professional development and networking opportunities.

Want help with finding a new teaching role? Let’s get you started… register your details here and one of our team will be in touch!