Teacher resignation dates 2026/2027: Key deadlines and notice periods

Thinking about leaving your current teaching role or moving to a new school? Whether you're looking for a fresh challenge, considering a career change or exploring your options, understanding teacher resignation dates is an important first step.

For many teachers in England and Wales, there are three main resignation deadlines throughout the academic year: 31st October, 28th February and 31st May.

With the October 2026 teacher resignation deadline approaching, now is a good time to check your notice period and start planning your next move.

In this guide, we'll cover the teacher resignation dates for 2026 and 2027, how notice periods work, and what to consider before handing in your resignation.

When are the teacher resignation deadlines for 2026/2027?

For teachers working under the Burgundy Book conditions of service, the standard resignation deadlines for the 2026/2027 academic year are:

• 31st October 2026: Submit your resignation by this date to leave on 31st December 2026, ready to start a new role in January 2027.
• 28th February 2027: Submit your resignation by this date to leave on 30th April 2027, ready to start a new role in May 2027.
• 31st May 2027: Submit your resignation by this date to leave on 31st August 2027, ready to start a new role in September 2027.
• 31st October 2027: Submit your resignation by this date to leave on 31st December 2027, ready to start a new role in January 2028.

These dates apply to teachers whose employment follows the Burgundy Book conditions, including many teachers in maintained schools and academies.

The dates are based on established notice arrangements, rather than deadlines announced separately each year.

For further guidance, the National Education Union (NEU) explains teachers' notice periods.

Important: Your resignation deadline may differ depending on your school, role and employment contract. Always check your individual terms and conditions before submitting notice.

What is the October 2026 teacher resignation deadline?

The next standard teacher resignation deadline is Saturday, 31st October 2026.

If you're planning to leave your current teaching position at the end of the autumn term, you'll generally need to submit your resignation by this date.

Your official employment end date would then be 31st December 2026, allowing you to begin a new teaching role in January 2027.

Although 31st October falls during the autumn half-term period for many schools, the standard resignation deadline remains the same.

If you're planning to resign, make sure your resignation reaches the appropriate person before the deadline. It's sensible to submit it in writing, keep a copy and request confirmation of receipt.

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What are the teacher resignation dates for 2027?

There are three standard teacher resignation deadlines during 2027.

February 2027 resignation deadline

Teachers looking to leave their current school at the end of the spring term will generally need to resign by 28th February 2027.

Their official leaving date will usually be 30th April 2027, although specific arrangements may apply when moving between schools around Easter.

This deadline is particularly important for teachers considering a move during the academic year.

May 2027 resignation deadline

If you're planning to leave your teaching role at the end of the summer term, the standard resignation deadline is 31st May 2027.

Your official leaving date will be 31st August 2027.

For teachers hoping to start a new position in September, this is one of the most important dates to remember.

October 2027 resignation deadline

The autumn resignation deadline will fall on 31st October 2027, with an official leaving date of 31st December 2027.

This applies to teachers planning to move roles for the start of the spring term in January 2028.

How much notice do teachers need to give?

Most teachers employed under Burgundy Book conditions are required to give:

• Two months' notice to leave at the end of the autumn term

• Two months' notice to leave at the end of the spring term

• Three months' notice to leave at the end of the summer term

These notice periods are linked to the official contractual term-end dates, rather than the last day pupils attend school.

For example, although the summer holidays begin in July for most schools, teachers who resign by 31st May will usually remain employed until 31st August.

For more information, see the NASUWT guidance on teacher resignation and notice periods.

You can also explore the Department for Education's guidance on school teachers' pay and conditions for further information about employment conditions in maintained schools in England.

Do academy teachers have different resignation deadlines?

Teachers working in academies and free schools may have different contractual notice periods.

Many academies continue to follow the Burgundy Book conditions, meaning the standard October, February and May resignation deadlines will apply.

However, some academies have different employment arrangements, so it's important to check the terms that apply to your position.

If you're working in an academy, review your employment contract or speak with your HR team before making any decisions.

What about independent school teachers and headteachers?

Resignation requirements can differ depending on your role and the type of school you work in.

Independent school teachers

Independent schools may set their own notice periods. Some require a full term's notice or longer, so it's important to review your contract carefully.

Headteachers

Headteachers employed under Burgundy Book conditions generally have longer notice periods than classroom teachers.

They are typically required to give three months' notice, increasing to four months during the summer term.

Their standard resignation deadlines are:

• 30th September to leave on 31st December

• 31st January to leave on 30th April

• 30th April to leave on 31st August

Teaching assistants and support staff

Teaching assistants and other school support staff don't automatically follow the same resignation deadlines as teachers.

Their notice periods depend on their employment contracts and applicable terms and conditions.

Can teachers resign at half-term?

Yes, teachers can request to leave their position at half-term, but this usually requires agreement from their employer.

Under standard Burgundy Book conditions, resignation dates are structured around the end of each term rather than half-term holidays.

However, schools may agree to an earlier leaving date depending on the circumstances.

If you're considering leaving at half-term, speak with your school as early as possible and make sure any agreement is confirmed in writing.

What happens if you miss the teacher resignation deadline?

Missing a teacher resignation deadline doesn't necessarily mean you have to abandon your plans to move schools.

However, your employer may require you to work until the next contractual leaving date.

For example, if you miss the 31st October deadline, you may be required to remain in your position until 30th April the following year, unless your school agrees to release you earlier.

If you find yourself in this position, consider discussing your circumstances with your headteacher or HR team.

They may be willing to negotiate an earlier leaving date, although they aren't obliged to agree.

For further advice, consult your teaching union. The NEU provides guidance on ending employment and notice periods.

How do you resign from a teaching job?

Once you've decided to leave your current teaching role, it's important to handle the resignation process professionally.

Here are five steps to consider:

1. Check your employment contract. Confirm your notice period and the deadline that applies to your role.

2. Consider your next steps. Think about whether you'd like to move to another school, explore supply teaching or take your career in a different direction.

3. Speak with your school. Where appropriate, arrange a conversation with your headteacher or line manager about your plans.

4. Submit your resignation in writing. Include your intended final employment date and make sure your resignation reaches the correct person before the deadline.

5. Plan your transition. Prepare for your handover and explore the opportunities available to you.

You don't necessarily need to have your next teaching job secured before exploring your options. However, it's worth carefully considering your financial circumstances and career plans before formally resigning.

Is supply teaching a good option after resigning?

If you're thinking about leaving your current teaching role but aren't sure what you'd like to do next, supply teaching could be worth exploring.

Supply teaching can offer greater flexibility and the opportunity to experience different school environments without immediately committing to another permanent position.

Depending on your circumstances and the opportunities available, supply teaching could help you:

• Explore different schools and teaching environments

• Gain experience across a variety of settings

• Find working arrangements that better suit your lifestyle

• Build new professional relationships

• Discover opportunities that could lead to a permanent teaching position

Whether you're an experienced teacher looking for a change or an early career teacher exploring your options, taking time to consider different opportunities can help you make an informed decision.

At TeacherActive, we work with teachers and schools across the UK, helping education professionals find opportunities that match their skills and ambitions.

Frequently asked questions about teacher resignation dates

When do teachers have to hand in their notice in October 2026?

For teachers employed under Burgundy Book conditions, the deadline is 31st October 2026 to leave on 31st December 2026.

What is the teacher resignation deadline for Easter 2027?

The standard deadline is 28th February 2027, with an official contractual leaving date of 30th April 2027. Different arrangements can apply when moving between schools around Easter.

When should teachers resign to start a new job in September 2027?

Teachers working under standard Burgundy Book conditions should submit their resignation by 31st May 2027 to leave on 31st August 2027.

Can I hand in my teacher resignation during the school holidays?

Yes. You can submit your resignation during school holidays, including half-term, provided it reaches your employer by the relevant deadline. Keep evidence of when it was sent.

Can I leave my teaching job before my notice period ends?

Potentially, but you'll usually need your employer's agreement. Leaving without fulfilling your contractual notice period could have consequences, so seek appropriate advice before making a decision.

Are teacher resignation deadlines the same across the UK?

No. The Burgundy Book dates discussed in this guide relate to teachers covered by those conditions in England and Wales. Teachers in Scotland and Northern Ireland should check the notice requirements that apply to their employment.

Ready for your next teaching opportunity? Register with TeacherActive

Resigning from a teaching position is a big decision, whether you're looking for career progression, a different school environment or greater flexibility.

Understanding the teacher resignation deadlines for 2026 and 2027 can help you plan your next steps with confidence and avoid missing an important date.

At TeacherActive, we're passionate about helping education professionals find roles where they can thrive.

Whether you're interested in permanent teaching positions, long-term placements or flexible supply teaching opportunities, our team is here to help you explore what's next.

Thinking about making a move? You don't have to wait until you've handed in your notice to start exploring your options.

Register with TeacherActive today and take the first step towards your next teaching opportunity.