Teacher resignation dates; there will be times in your teaching career when you find yourself handing in your notice of resignation, either to move to a new teaching role in a different school or perhaps to try your hand at something new.
The conditions of service for School Teachers, including resignation dates and notice periods are set out in what is known as ‘The Burgundy Book’ which influences the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). Due to the fluctuation in school term dates across the UK, your notice periods and teacher resignation dates can vary depending on the school you work in, and how long you have been in your position.
A teacher notice period is generally two or three months (depending on the term) unless you are a senior teacher. You should plan your leaving date to fall on the last day of term.
There are 3 terms in the school year, starting in September with the Autumn term:
Each term is split into two parts separated by a holiday. It is best to give your notice of resignation within the first half of the term in which you intend to leave.
Precise term dates vary across the UK so you will need to check the term dates for your local area to be sure. If you don’t want to ask the administration department at your school, you can use the government website to find out what the determined school term and holiday dates are for your area.
If you are a senior teacher, your notice period will be a bit longer and will vary depending on the term in which you intend to leave.
When you resign from a teaching job, you need to notify the school administrators and the Headmaster (or Principal) with a notice of resignation. A notice of resignation should always be provided in writing.
Where possible, always try to speak with the Headmaster or your Department Head in person beforehand and let them know that you intend to leave. You can then officialise this in writing with the notice of resignation.
If there are things you need to discuss, either about your reasons for leaving, or about the preparations needed before you leave, you can request an exit interview.
If you need to discuss your remaining holiday entitlement or your final salary payment, speak directly to the relevant department, often the human resources (HR) department instead of detailing it in your notice of resignation.
