Etiquette for filling in an application form

[CharlotteCollinsislost]

Just wondering what other teachers do about referees. DH says in his line of work it's expected to ask a referee first before putting them on an application; I've never done this - should I?

Second question: if the headteacher's since retired, what do you do?

Thanks in advance!

Yes you should always ask first. I've known head teachers get really stroppy about not being asked first. If had has only just retired ie in last academic year I think it's ok, or ask deputy head instead. I'm going to ask for a lesson observation at one of my regular supply schools after Christmas so that I would have a more up to date referee than the head at my last school from which I have just taken early retirement. Apparently it's not ok to ask a retiring head for a testimonial as that is not acceptable as a reference. Hope that helps.

Head, not had! iPod!!!!!

Ask unless you don't want your Head to know or be contacted until after you have been offered the job. I still use a lovely head teacher I worked for who retired 3 years ago as a referee but I am still in contact with her.

Ok, thanks for the advice. I only stopped working there 4 years ago, but both the head and my HoD retired soon after, and neither were people I'd naturally want to stay in touch with. Will try to track the retired Head down. Otherwise I have to leave that school and go to my previous school (head also retired!) for a reference, which will look odd, won't it?

There is a thread relevant to this in 'going back to work' called something like 'can a request for a reference be refused' - started by a teacher.

I've been in a similar situation in the past. Would they have one for you on file at your old school? I think if you put your current or most recent Head as your first one, it doesn't matter so much who you put as your second.

Thanks, Branching, will take a look.

GW - I did wonder that; that's reassuring to have a second opinion.

I've always asked first.

I was given a tale of caution by a colleague once. She'd started applying for new jobs and put the 2nd reference down as her ex-deputy head, who'd left the school some 6 months previously.
When reference requests came through, this ex-deputy was annoyed and phoned my colleagues head teacher to complain about her not asking. He then had to come down and advise her on appropriate ettiquette. It was cringy all round apparently, so I resolved to always ask!