Related reading: Teacher resignation deadline: what to do before 31 January · How teachers navigate the resignation deadline · How school leaders navigate the resignation deadline

For the 2026/27 academic year, jump to the key dates table or the resignation checklist.

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.

Best Practices for Resigning

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.

Timing and Notice

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.

When to Tell Your Headteacher

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.

Writing Your Notice

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:

• Keep it polite and concise.
  

• Include your role, final working day, and appreciation for the experience.
  

• Avoid emotional or critical comments — your letter becomes part of your HR file (find how to format it here).
  

Leaving Well

You’ve resigned with complete professionalism. Here’s how you complete your last few weeks at work and leave on good terms:

• Prepare handover notes and essential pupil info. 

• Offer help with the transition if you can. 

• Finish strong — your professionalism now protects your reputation later.

What Happens Post-Resignation

Now that you’ve made the decision to resign, it’s good to understand what comes next and what you might need to do.

Pay and Contract

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.

References and Admin

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.

Emotional Transition

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.

Jobs for Teachers Leaving Full-Time Roles

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.

Supply Teaching After Resignation

• You can begin supply work once your contract ends. 

• Supply teaching offers variety and a chance to rediscover why you started teaching. 

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.

Flexible Teaching After Resignation

• Explore job-share, online, or tutoring work. 

Demand is high: vacancies in England have more than doubled since 2019, so flexible teachers are in short supply.

Moving Forward After the Teacher Resignation Deadline

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.