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TL;DR: Supply teachers wanting to resign from full-time roles need to do so on or before Friday, 31 October, to leave at Christmas. There are a few steps you need to take to resign properly. And a few more steps to give yourself a smooth transition into whatever comes next.
If you plan to leave your post at the end of the autumn term, you must do so by Friday, 31 October.
This teacher resignation deadline applies to most maintained schools under the Burgundy Book conditions of service. Miss it, and you’re usually contracted until Easter; meet it, and you open the door to flexibility, rest, or new opportunities.
In our guide, we’ll cover best practices for resigning, what happens next, and career options for UK teachers.
Making the choice to resign from a job is the hard part.
And you wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t the right decision. But the good news is that the next steps you need to take to resign professionally are easy.
To leave at Christmas, you must submit your notice of resignation by Friday, 31 October — two months’ notice for most teachers, three for senior leaders.
If you work at an independent or an academy school, your resignation date may vary.
Always confirm your dates with your employment contract.
Give your head or line manager a heads-up before half-term. A short, calm conversation avoids surprises and gives time to plan your replacement.
Best practice is to have this conversation before half-term. This gives your school time to make arrangements. And it helps ensure they will always be a good reference for you.
Then submit your resignation (this is crucial) to the headteacher and copy it to your HR on or before Friday, 31 October.
You’ve already done the hard part. Writing and submitting your resignation is just a formality. But there are a few details you’ll want to get right:
You’ve resigned with complete professionalism. Here’s how you complete your last few weeks at work and leave on good terms:
Now that you’ve made the decision to resign, it’s good to understand what comes next and what you might need to do.
Resign by Friday, 31 October and you’re typically paid through the end of the year. Confirm your last pay date, pension deductions, and any remaining allowances.
Ask for written references once your resignation has been acknowledged. Keep a copy of your resignation letter and your HR confirmation email — it will save you headaches later.
It’s common to feel a mix of relief and doubt. Use the final weeks to reflect and prepare mentally for what comes next rather than rushing into something new.
This is important, especially if you’ve been in the job for a while. You’re not going to know exactly how you’ll feel about everything till you’re in it. Give yourself the time and space to process.
Your path is unique to you.
Perhaps you’re transitioning into a completely new career. Or considering retiring? It all depends on what brought you to this moment.
But just because you’re leaving full-time teaching doesn’t mean you have to leave education. Many teachers thrive in supply or part-time roles.
And the best part: your skills and experience put you in high demand.
And at Humly, we’ll empower you.
Unlike supply agencies, Humly is a digital marketplace that gives you full-career control. You can find, choose, and book the jobs you want – always on your terms.
Through our app, you’ll be able to see every available opportunity and book the jobs you want to work.
But if you’re considering supply teaching after resignation, don’t wait until your contract ends to start the process. Once you’ve given notice, you can register straight away.
Vetting and compliance checks — including DBS, references, and safeguarding verification — often take two to four weeks, so applying early means you can find your next job well before your current one ends.
Demand is high: vacancies in England have more than doubled since 2019, so flexible teachers are in short supply.
Resigning can feel final. But it can also be freeing.
It’s your moment to regain control over how, where, and why you work.
Whether you continue as a supply teacher, seek flexible roles, or start a career change, remember: leaving doesn’t erase your impact and the lives you’ve helped transform.
It’s simply the next chapter of your journey.
And you’re ready to turn the page.
For most maintained schools, it’s Friday, 31 October to leave at Christmas.
Yes, but you must meet your contract’s notice terms. Miss the 31 October deadline and you’ll usually stay until Easter.
Supply teaching, part-time work, tutoring, or broader education roles.
Immediately – you can’t work until your contract ends, but you can get registered and even line up your next job well before your current one ends. If you wait until December, you might miss out.
Yes — usually until the end of term (31 December).
Yes, once your contract officially ends.
