Teacher resignation letter, with your leaving date worked out

Most teachers in England and Wales can only leave at the end of a term, and must resign by a set date. Tell the builder when you are handing your letter in and it works out the date your employment ends, then writes the letter to your headteacher. Free.

Teachers' resignation dates

Most teachers in England and Wales are on Burgundy Book terms, which tie notice to the end of a term. To leave at the end of December, resign by 31 October. To leave at the end of April, resign by the last day of February. To leave at the end of August, resign by 31 May.

Headteachers need longer notice, and academies and independent schools can set their own terms, so check your contract.

Who to send it to

Address it to your headteacher, and send a copy to whoever your contract names, often the governing body or the trust's HR team. Hand it in or email it before the deadline: a letter that arrives on 1 November is too late to leave at Christmas.

What to put in it

  • That you are resigning, and your role ("Year 4 Teacher").
  • The date your employment ends, at the end of the term.
  • An offer to help with the handover: planning, reports and handing over your class.
  • A thank you, if you want one. You don't need to give a reason.

Teacher resignation letter examples

Teacher resignation letter, leaving at Christmas

Handed in by 31 October; employment ends on 31 December.

21 October 2026

Dear David,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Year 4 Teacher at Oakfield Primary School. In line with the notice in my contract, my employment will end on 31 December 2026, at the end of the term.

Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Oakfield Primary School. I have valued the experience and the support I have received.

I wish you and the team every success in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Morris

Teacher resignation letter for a new school

Handed in in February; employment ends on 30 April.

22 February 2027

Dear David,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Year 4 Teacher at Oakfield Primary School. In line with the notice in my contract, my employment will end on 30 April 2027, at the end of the term.

I have accepted a new role, and this was not an easy decision to make.

Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Oakfield Primary School. I have valued the experience and the support I have received.

I wish you and the team every success in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Morris

Teacher resignation letter, leaving teaching

Handed in by 31 May; employment ends on 31 August.

17 May 2027

Dear David,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Year 4 Teacher at Oakfield Primary School. In line with the notice in my contract, my employment will end on 31 August 2027, at the end of the term.

I have decided to move into a new career, and this was not an easy decision to make.

Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.

I want to thank you for your support during my time at Oakfield Primary School. I have learned a great deal, and I am grateful for the opportunities and the people I have worked with.

I wish you and the team every success in the future.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Morris

Questions people ask

When do teachers have to resign by?

On Burgundy Book terms: 31 October to leave at the end of December, the last day of February to leave at the end of April, and 31 May to leave at the end of August. Your contract is what counts, so check it.

Do I still get paid over the summer if I resign by 31 May?

On Burgundy Book terms your employment ends on 31 August, so you are employed, and paid, until then. Check your contract if you work for an academy or independent school.

Can I leave before the end of term?

Only if your school agrees. Ask your headteacher; if they agree an earlier date, put it in your letter as the agreed last day.

Do I need to give a reason?

No. Many teachers mention a new post or a move, but a resignation letter only needs to say you are resigning and when your employment ends.

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