SLT won't let me resign. Help.

[Penny0988]

A situation at work is causing me a lot of anxiety. I have wanted to leave my current school for months. I was talked into staying on last year as they were having trouble recruiting (Special Measures school) and promised that they would find a replacement for me by Christmas. To cut a long story short, that didn't happen because our old Head was sacked and I ended up staying.

A number of reasons has made me want to leave at Easter. I've thought about it long and hard and I know the children will be ok as I will supply my replacement with everything they need.

I spoke to our new Head a few weeks ago to tell her my plans and she wasn't happy, guilt tripped me about the children and asked me to reconsider. I went back today to say I still felt the same and she said she was shocked about it (even though she was aware!) and she thought I'd changed my mind. She refused to accept my resignation letter and asked me to think about it further.

They're making it really difficult for me to leave. I don't know what to do. I know they're having trouble recruiting teachers but that's not my fault. I dont know what to do.

It's not slavery. She can't not accept your resignation. Just write back, cc payroll/HR confirming the date of your last working day. No drama needed.

She can't make you stay if you want her to leave. You've served notice of your intention to leave. That should be sufficient. I would email her rather than meet in person "to confirm our conversation of yesterday, I will be leaving at the end of this term. In the meantime is be happy to help recruit a replacement and facilitate a smooth handover."

I had a similar situation when I left my job, I think they were trying to pay me a compliment. Just make clear that you mean it and give her the letter back or hand it to her PA.

Like PP said just put it in writing and a copy to governors and HR. Then just ride it out until leaving date.

The whole notion of someone 'accepting' your resignation is rubbish - resignation is a unilateral act. Put it in writing, give the notice required by your contract and walk out the door when notice has been served. They cannot stop you.

Just leave it on her desk!

You need to email it as well. You need formal, verifiable proof that you have sent your letter of resignation. There can't be opportunity for them to say they didn't get it in time.

Email head and head if governors.

Leave it on her desk. She can't not let you go!

HR manager here to say the slt have no option but to accept your resignation. Just make sure you comply with the notice period in your contract.

There is no requirement to 'accept' a resignation although some employers will discuss the resignation with you to make sure it's what you really want.

Yup - email Head and Chair of Govs by Saturday. That way you've got evidence

and promised that they would find a replacement for me by Christmas.

That isn't how it works though, is it? They won't start looking to recruit you until you have handed in your resignation.

Do it today-by hand and also by email to the chair of governors so you have proof they've received it.

When push comes to shove, you are paid by the month, so only a month's notice is needed.