JUST before half-term, I received an offer of a post, subject to satisfactory references. I felt I could not accept it, because I could not hand in my notice without a definite offer. What would have happened if I had accepted and then been turned down because the references were unsatisfactory?
You would have been out of a job and it would have served you right. Fortunately, this is a rare event in the teaching profession. No employer in the public sector should be making an offer on such terms, because there is no reason why they should not call for references before coming to a decision.
No teacher should resign until they have received and accepted an unconditional offer. An oral offer has legal standing, but it is safer to wait for written confirmation.
The new employer should be prepared to wait a term, if necessary, or to negotiate with you and your present employer for a voluntary release from your contract.
Archimedes
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