How to write a teacher resignation letter

Leaving a teaching role isn’t easy, but a good resignation letter can help to ensure a smooth departure. Here’s a guide to how to format one

1st February 2026, 1:02pm

Mark Steed

When you’ve made the decision to move on from your school, it is worth putting some time and effort into handing in your resignation correctly. Properly drafting a letter of resignation will not only help your school - it will also help you in the long run.

A formal resignation letter, including a clear timeline for transition, will assist your school administration in making plans, thereby reducing disruption for your students and colleagues.

It will also maintain your healthy professional relationship with your school and leave a positive lasting impression, which could come in handy when you’re seeking job references or networking opportunities in the future.

Here’s what you need to know about how to write and format a teacher resignation letter.

What is the legal requirement for teacher resignation?

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 likely that a 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.

What is the typical teacher notice period (during and after probation)?

A teacher’s 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.

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, so you should check yours carefully so that you understand how these impact your notice period.

How to format a teacher resignation letter

The teacher wishing to resign should address their letter to the headteacher of their school.

Traditionally this would be a formal, paper 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.

More on teacher job applications

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 this would be 31 August for a teacher leaving at the end of the school year, for example.

What to include in a teacher resignation letter

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 altogether.
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. The teacher 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.

Teacher resignation letter example

For example, the text of your letter might look something like this:

Dear John Brown,

I am writing to hand in my notice.

I have been offered a head of department role at another school, starting in September, and can’t pass up this great opportunity to continue my teaching career at a more senior level.

I would like my last day to be 31 August. Over the next couple of months I will work out a thorough handover plan with the rest of the English department to ensure a smooth transition after my departure. Rest assured, I will see through all my commitments with our students - including leading the Year 8 reading challenge and the school play performances - before then.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the senior leadership team for your support over the past five years. I have hugely enjoyed working with such hard-working, ambitious colleagues, and I know I will miss you all - and the students here - very much.

All best wishes,

Sarah Black

Leaving well

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

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

Mark Steed