Are you thinking about resigning from your current teaching post? If so, knowing the correct teacher resignation dates in 2025 will ensure you hand in your resignation in plenty of time.
Resigning from a teaching role is not as simple a process as most other jobs. So it’s important for teachers to understand when they are able to do so. Teachers have specific windows of time where they are permitted to hand in their notice to leave their current role, so planning your resignation so it aligns with your future plans is important.
When can teachers resign in 2025/26?
To resign with effect from the end of a term in 2025, UK teachers generally need to give notice by the following dates: 31st May to leave by 31st August, 31st October to leave by 31st December, and 28th February to leave by 30th April.
Summer Term (31st August):
To leave at the end of the school year, teachers typically need to give notice by 31st May.
Autumn Term (31st December):
For leaving at the end of the Autumn Term, the notice date is generally 31st October.
Spring Term (30th April):
To leave at the end of the Spring Term, teachers usually need to give notice by 28th February.
Before handing in your resignation as a teacher, there are several important considerations to take into account.
Contract Details: Make sure you review your specific contract, as notice periods could vary depending on your role, your school and the type of educational institution you work for.
Term Dates: It’s also worth remembering that term dates can vary from school to school and location to location, so make sure you confirm the exact resignation dates with your school well in advance if you are thinking about leaving.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that school term dates can fluctuate annually, so don’t assume that the resignation dates will stay the same every year.
Half-Term: While most contracts allow resignation at the end of a term, it might be possible to resign at half term. However to do so it is likely that you will need to seek approval from your head teacher for leaving at half-term, this is according to the National Education Union.
Notice Period Calculation: Teachers should also make a note of their contracted notice period. Typically for teachers who have been in their post for under four years, the notice period sits at a minimum of one month. However, if you have been in your role for over four years this notice period could be longer. By reviewing your contract you will understand the specific notice period requirements and when you are allowed to leave. It is important to note that senior teacher notice periods, such those for heads of departments, deputy heads, or headteachers, may be expected to give up to four months' notice. Checking your contract will enable you to find out the expected notice period for your particular position.
Teacher resignation dates 2025 - Planning Ahead
By planning ahead and communicating your intentions early you are helping the school have enough time to find a replacement, and there should be no issues with your resignation request. Submit your resignation in writing in a timely manner and make sure you always submit your resignation before the appropriate deadline.
The majority of teachers will be expected to continue teaching until the end of the term in which they submit their resignation. So, for example, if you submit your resignation in the summer term, you will be expected to continue teaching up until the last day.
While most schools will permit the teacher to leave at the end of term, and will continue to pay them throughout the following holiday period, it is worth noting that you will likely be bound by your contract of employment throughout the holidays. So, for example, a teacher handing in their notice to leave at the end of the summer term would still be legally employed by the school and bound by the contract until the end of the summer holidays around the 31st August.
Why have specific teacher resignation dates for 2025/26?
Whatever your reasons for handing in your resignation, be that a career break, retirement, or to embark on something completely different, it is important that you do so in accordance with the teacher resignation dates that occur throughout the year. The dates are set to help guide teachers as to the best times to resign. By sticking to them, you will cause the least disruption to your pupil’s education, and help the school prepare for your absence and line up a replacement before you leave.
Having a consistent teacher can be very beneficial to pupils. Teachers can build relationships with their pupils over time, understanding their different learning styles and individual challenges. Pupils will build trust in their teachers, learn what’s expected of them and understand their teaching style. While not always, the introduction of a new teacher can feel very disruptive to some pupils, particularly if this happens at a challenging time, such as right before important exams.
Teachers, therefore, have a responsibility to leave their post in a way that causes minimum disruption and is respectful to both the pupils and the school. Of course, there are exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to do this. However, whenever possible, understanding the importance of teacher resignation dates and following these, means your school will have time to find a good replacement, and you will be able to meet and brief the teacher that will take over, so they understand where you have got to in the curriculum and how individual pupils are coping. This will give both the new teacher and your class the best chance of carrying on with the work as smoothly as possible.
Are you thinking about stepping back from teaching in 2024? If so, make sure you are aware of the teacher resignation dates for 2024, so you can give adequate notice and leave your post in the right way.
Whatever your reasons for handing in your resignation – whether it's taking a career break, retiring, or venturing into a completely new field – it’s vital to follow the teacher resignation dates set for 2025. These dates are designed to guide teachers on the optimal times to resign, minimising disruption to students’ education and allowing the school to adequately prepare for your departure and arrange a suitable replacement.
Why Following Resignation Dates Matters
A consistent teacher presence is vital for pupils. Not only do teachers get to know their students and understand their individual learning styles, they also develop relationships that build trust and mutual respect. Pupils understand what’s expected of them and this consistency can help to create a calm, stable and productive learning environment.
Leaving abruptly can cause significant disruption and be unsettling for students. This is particularly true if a teacher were to leave in the middle of an important period, such as in the lead up to exams.
By adhering to the resignation dates, teachers can help ensure a smoother transition, giving both the new teacher and the pupils a better chance to maintain progress without major disruptions.
Leaving Your Post Responsibly in 2025
While there are always going to be standalone instances where teachers cannot stick to the resignation dates for one reason or another, whenever it is possible to do so, exiting in a responsible manner minimises disruption for both pupils and colleagues. Teachers have a responsibility to ensure that pupils' education is a priority and following the resignation dates set out above can ensure the smooth transition and onboarding of a new teacher and time for a proper brief and handover.
This handover can be invaluable, offering insights into where pupils are in the curriculum, any specific learning needs, and important context that will help the new teacher step into the role with confidence.
Considering Resigning in 2025/26?
If you’re contemplating stepping back from teaching in 2025, make sure you’re aware of the resignation dates so you can give adequate notice and leave your post in a way that’s respectful to your school and supportive of your pupils.
FAQ’s for Teacher Resignation dates 2025
Will I Still Get Paid After Handing in My Notice?
Provided you submit your resignation before the required notice period and specified resignation dates then you will continue to get paid until the end of the term, including the holiday period that follows.
What If I Can’t Give the Required Notice Period?
Unexpected circumstances mean that it’s not always possible for teachers to resign within the set resignation periods. When this happens speaking openly and honestly to your employer is the best route. In most cases, if you have a legitimate reason, your employer may be willing to accommodate you.
Without obtaining permission from your employer however, it is possible they will find you in breach of contract. If this is the case there could be legal consequences and your employer may refuse to provide a reference which could have a negative impact on trying to find a subsequent teaching role.
Leaving outside of the set dates can cause significant disruption to the school, place additional pressure on colleagues, and negatively impact pupils’ learning. Therefore, it is strongly advised to follow the resignation dates wherever possible. If your headteacher is unsympathetic to your circumstances, consider seeking further guidance from your union.
Do I Need to Write a Resignation Letter?
Yes, the resignation process typically requires you to submit a formal resignation letter to your headteacher. The specific requirements may vary depending on your school, so it’s advisable to check your employment contract for detailed instructions.
Your contract will outline the correct procedure for resigning, including any notice periods and how to formally submit your resignation. Ensuring you follow this process will help you maintain a professional exit and avoid any misunderstandings.
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