In this blog, you will learn:
- How much notice a Headteacher has to give.
- Who a Headteacher should address their resignation letter to.
- What a Headteacher should include in their resignation letter.
Where the latest Headteacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
If you’re a Headteacher thinking about leaving the profession or moving to another school, your notice period is an important factor to consider.
In any given business or organisation, notice periods for resignation can wildly differ, anything from a few days to a few months.
The amount of notice a Headteacher must give before resigning varies depending on the school term time, the school, how long they have been there and their contract.
Throughout this blog, we uncover how much notice Headteachers have to give and who they need to address their resignation letter to.
How much notice does a Headteacher have to give?
On average, a Headteacher has to give a minimum three months notice in autumn and spring terms and four months in the summer term.
In some circumstances, such as a personal issue, illness or other emergency, Headteachers may be allowed to leave with less notice.
Headteachers are required to give a certain amount of notice so that a school has enough time to secure a temporary or permanent replacement. Schools must have a Headteacher, or someone to carry out their duties.
According to the National Education Union, Headteachers are required to give the following notice:
- To end employment on 31st December, notice should be given no later than 30th September.
- To end employment on 31st August, notice must be no later than 30th April.
Who does a Headteacher give their resignation letter to?
A Headteacher should address their resignation letter to the chair of governors. However, if they don't have a governing body, they should address it to the person specified in their contract of employment.
What should a Headteacher include in their resignation letter?
In a resignation letter, a Headteacher should include their name, the recipient’s name, the date, their final working day and the reason for resigning. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity they were given is also encouraged. It’s always best to leave a job on a positive note and not to burn any bridges with a school.
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