Applying for non-teaching jobs - etiquette

[Fouroutoffour]

I want to leave teaching. I know that the etiquette when applying for other teaching jobs is to inform your head teacher before submitting an application. However, I was wondering if it works the same way if you're applying for non-teaching, non-school jobs? I have my eye on a vacancy at a university. References would be taken up after interview/ offer. I work part-time so I wouldn't need to take time off for the interview. Would it be acceptable not to inform my school until I have a job offer in hand? I applied for a teaching post at a competitor school last term and didn't get it, and I don't want my current head to think I'm desperate to get out (I am!).

[summershine2204]

No! Not at all, you're only going to make working where you are harder if they know you're looking to leave. In my opinion it's only worth telling them in advance if you don't really want to leave and you just want a pay raise.

Apply for any job you want! In the politest of ways, if you're not teacher your job will be easier to replace & your notice period is very different.

[Fouroutoffour]

Anyone else? I usually get really helpful advice here!

[Wellmet]

I wouldn't say anything. I hate the fact that slt have to know if you're applying for other teaching jobs, if they don't need to know then don't tell them!

[Jazzmin]

It’s a tricky one. What if the interview falls on a working day? I guess a uni would be a good move as it has term times, I think the long notice period from teaching must make it tricky to move into a non teaching role sometimes. As it is a different role, you could raise it by saying, ‘ such a rare opportunity, I thought I’d give it a go’ but only at interview stage? Good luck!

[Andonandonan]

I’ve been thinking about doing the same and wouldn’t tell my head before applying/interview.

It’s all a bit unknown & feels different than moving to a different teaching job so wouldn’t want them to know I was trying to leave.