When Is the Teacher Resignation Deadline for January?

What to Know Before 31st October.

If you have been thinking about a fresh start in January, October is the month that matters. For most teachers on standard contracts, the resignation deadline for leaving at the end of the autumn term is 31 October. Miss it, and you could be committed for another term. Here is what to know before you decide.

What is the teacher resignation deadline?

Teachers employed under Burgundy Book terms are generally required to give notice by 31^st October to leave on 31^st December, by 28^th February to leave on 30^th April, and by 31^st May to leave on 31^st August. Many maintained schools follow these dates, and some academies do too, but contracts vary, so check yours or ask your HR team. In 2026, 31^st October falls on a Saturday, so it is sensible to submit your notice in writing by Friday 30^th October to be safe.

What should you ask yourself before you resign?

Resigning is a big decision, so it helps to pinpoint what is driving it. Consider:

• Is it the school, the role or the workload?

• Would a different year group, phase or leadership team solve it?

• Do you want another permanent post, or would flexibility suit you better?

• Can you afford a gap between roles, or do you have a next step lined up?

A conversation with a trusted colleague or your line manager can also help. Sometimes a change of timetable or responsibilities fixes what a change of school would.

Could supply teaching be the right next step?

Leaving a permanent post does not have to mean jumping straight into another one. Many teachers use supply teaching to take back control of their time, try different schools and phases, and work out what they want next, all while keeping their skills current. Supply work across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk includes day to day cover, long term placements and temporary to permanent roles, so you can shape work around your life.

Registering before you resign also means your DBS, references and right to work checks are complete, so you can hit the ground running in January.

How can Gold Education Recruitment help?

Our team at Gold Education Recruitment are specialists when it comes to local education recruitment, working with primary and secondary schools across Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.

Whether you want another permanent role, a long-term placement or flexible supply work, we take time to understand what you need from your next step before we put you forward for anything. Our conversations are honest and pressure free, so you can explore your options before committing to anything.

Thinking about January? Get in touch with our team today.