To tell the truth on an application form...

[ShellyOverSeas]

Hello, I'm looking for some advice as I feel like I'm stuck.

I'm currently teaching abroad in a private English school. I want to leave as my headteacher is awful and the school is a shambles. Trust me when I say he isn't fit to run a bath, let alone a school. Many complaints have been made but are ignored by HR and the school's owner. Sadly, all that matters is money.

I'm currently applying for another job in a lovely school with a fantastic reputation. However, they require two references prior to shortlisting for interview. One reference HAS to be my current headteacher I know that my headmaster strongly dislikes me (depsite me being extremely hard working and a good teacher) and will probably give me an awful reference. He will make things difficult for me to leave as he struggles to hire qualified teachers and so many have left already.

Now here's the question -

Do I say on the application form the real reason why I'm leaving and make them aware that my headteacher will probably give me a bad reference but mention that my latest lesson observation by a member of SLT was grading outstanding in all areas.

Or

Do I not mention it and pray that my headteacher doesn't slate me and try to spoil my chances? I'm 90% sure he will.

YABU - Don't mention anything.

YANBU - Be honest and make the school aware.

Also, any helpful advice welcome! Please be kind, I'm extremely stressed and stuck atm.

It all depends on how you do it.

There are ways of hinting at it without slating him, slating him would not be a good look.
But you could make a reference to being unhappy with the leadership of the school as a reason for wanting to move jobs. Just be careful not to come across as griping.

That's exactly what I don't want to happen. If they didn't need the references prior to interview, then I wouldn't mention anything.

It's just because I'm fairly certain my headteacher will shit on me...

I’m confused about the ‘require two references prior to shortlisting’ does this just mean they need the details of who your references will be, because surely they wouldn’t contact your referees before you interview? Or could you at least ask them not to contact your current employer before a job offer (that’s usually a tick box option on application forms here) and then you could discuss the situation at interview.

In teaching jobs they often request the references before the interview and then make the job offer on the day of the interview.

Your head isn't actually allowed to give a bad reference, I think the worst he can do is give a very brief one that confirms dates of employment and absence record. So hopefully, even if he does that, it won't cause too much damage.

Hopefully your other reference will be good, and the school you are applying to will know that something is going on if they're getting two different references. If you can provide a third, that gives them an easy way to try and establish which to believe.
You could perhaps work the lesson observation information into your application somewhere.
It's usually advised that you do not slate the school you are hoping to leave. However you could possibly hint at things by talking about why you are applying to this school - the opportunity to work in a well-resourced school with well-qualified colleagues, perhaps.
If the schools are relatively local to one another, the head of the new school may well know a bit about the reputation of your current one.

Is there anyone else at your school who can give a reference?

They don't just want the details. They actually get the references first (unusual I know). I know someone who's previously worked at the school.

Have a look at the Facebook group Exit the Classroom Leave Teaching and Thrive. Although you are not leaving teaching, there is loads of advice on there about the best way to deal with toxic work places and leadership in schools.

Apologies the correct name is
Life after teaching, exit the classroom and thrive

When are you looking to leave?

International teaching interviews are different to those in the UK. 6 jobs in I have never been offered the job on the interview day. I am the interviewer in my current job, we do three interviews and then ask for references.

I would contact the school you are interviewing for and ask them when they will contact referees.

Sorry I missed your update.
I would still contact them and ask if you can use SLT instead.

Tricky. I suspect if its competitive they might just not shortlist anyone with a potential query. I think though that I would state 'in the interest of openess and transparency, unfortunately I and others have had to raise some serious issues regarding the management of this school following all attempts to resolve internally. [Something that can evidence your good performance there]. I would be happy to discuss further or supply additional referees if for any reason you do not receive a reference for me or are not happy with it.'

I would contact them directly by email and not mention about any references at all until you’ve had the chance to explain to them why you want to leave.