How to get your teacher resignation letter right 

When the time comes to move on, it is important that teachers go about their resignation in the right way. Writing a properly crafted letter of resignation is an essential part of this process because it reflects professionalism, courtesy and a commitment to positive relationships.

A formal resignation letter helps the school administration to plan accordingly, providing a clear timeline for transition, which minimises disruption for students and colleagues.

Moreover, a considerate resignation letter leaves a lasting impression and maintains a positive professional reputation, which can be crucial for future job references and networking opportunities.

Writing your teacher resignation letter

Here’s what you need to know:

The legal requirement

By law, all employees who have been in their job for more than one month have to give a minimum of one week’s notice of the date they wish to leave employment. Legally, this may be given in writing or verbally.

However, it is very likely that the teacher’s contract of employment will have more rigorous requirements. For example, most will have a longer notice period and a requirement that notice is given in writing.

Notice periods (during and after probation)

The contract of employment will outline the minimum amount of notice that the teacher needs to give the school.

Most schools will insist on at least two months’ notice for resignation (this can rise to three months in the summer term). Employment contracts in the independent sector usually insist on longer periods of notice, often a full term for teachers and two full terms for some senior leadership positions.

Read more: Teacher resignation dates and notice periods

The length of notice is likely to be significantly shorter during the probationary period, and could be as short as the statutory minimum of one week.

Although probation periods are not mentioned in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), they are increasingly part of teacher contracts. Contract terms vary considerably from school to school.

The format of your letter

The teacher should address the letter to the headteacher.

Traditionally this would be a formal, written letter, but increasingly email is acceptable. Recognising that headteachers have significant demands on their time and their inbox, it is often prudent to send a copy to the HR department of the school or academy trust, too.

The one requirement of the letter is that it should outline what the last day of employment will be. Bear in mind that this is often not the last day of term because of the school holidays. So 31 August for leaving at the end of the school year, for example.

There are a number of other things that teachers might like to consider including within the letter:

• While there is no legal obligation for teachers to give a reason for leaving or to indicate what they are going on to do next, it is helpful to supply these details. Schools are required to supply annual census data to the Department for Education. So, at least, they would like to know if you are going on to another school or whether you are leaving the profession.
• Teachers might also want to thank the school and its leadership team for opportunities and experiences that they have had.
• It is reassuring for headteachers when resigning teachers give some assurance that they will do their utmost to maintain the high standards of education and support until their departure, and to ensure a smooth transition for their students and colleagues. They could give a brief outline of any transition plans or key tasks that they intend to complete.

None of this needs to be very long - it is perfectly fine for a letter to run to no more than 150 words.

The school should also acknowledge the receipt of the letter in writing.

Leaving well

Ultimately the letter of resignation is a way for teachers to signal their professionalism and that they intend to leave the school on excellent terms.

Mark Steed is the principal and CEO of Stamford School in Lincolnshire