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Original poster

Don't want to start job in Sept

30 replies

theundecided · 20/07/2017 14:49

I have accepted and signed a contract for a 0.6 job with a private school to start in September. Since I've agreed to this a couple of things have happened and I do not want to work at this school- id rather be unemployed or doing supply for a bit.
The issues are with attitude of SLT and a completely different timetable to the one I was led to believe I'd have. (I've done some supply there to know this )
What are my options to get out of this job? I have a 2 month notice period in the 1st term- can I give it now or does it need to wait until 1st September?
I presume just telling the head I won't be coming isn't legal and will end badly for me!!

OP posts:
Bluerose27 · 20/07/2017 14:51

Resign now and that should be your 2 month notice period. Plus head will have time to employ someone else

PumpkinPie2016 · 20/07/2017 15:44

As far as I am aware, there are only 3 resignation points for teachers;

31st Oct to leave at Christmas

28th Feb to leave at Easter

31st May to leave in Summer .

Some private schools vary so you need to check with your school but if anything their resignation periods are longer not shorter!

I very much doubt they will release you from your contract now as term is ending and they won't have time to recruit before Sept or may not find a suitable candidate.

For your own sake, I think it would be best to start in September and resign in Oct so you can leave at Xmas.

Pulling out now is a breach of contract and would not go down well.

Original poster
theundecided · 20/07/2017 17:50

Thank you- my contract has a probationary first term where either party can give two months notice so I'm just not sure if I give notice now whether it will count or whether it would only count from September 1st. I won't pull out now although I'd like to!

OP posts:
Bluerose27 · 20/07/2017 18:19

Why don't you contact them and state your concerns? Presumably in the interview there were other people short listed so they have a pool of potential teachers. Legally you might need to show up for a term but the head might prefer to cut his/her losses and employ someone who actually wants to be there

Original poster
theundecided · 20/07/2017 21:31

The head doesn't care about my concerns - he already told me that in pretty much exactly those words!
I didn't have an interview for my job - it was through a friend who already works at the school....mad I know but true.

OP posts:
Allthebestnamesareused · 20/07/2017 21:40

Although the Head may not seem to care sbout tour concerns in that (s)he cannot change the timetable I think if you explain as your concerns can't be addressed your alternative is to resign/not take up the offer perhaps something could be sorted - maybe if you offer to supply cover until they get a replacement.

Allthebestnamesareused · 20/07/2017 21:40

About your eeek typos!

Clonakilty · 21/07/2017 01:47

It sounds like you are going to have to take the job. What's wrong with the timetable? Are you teaching a subject you're unfamiliar with? You have different classes from the ones they said you'd get? I'm unclear as to how a timetable would affect your decision to work in a school. Presumably the timetabler has simply worked with your allocation?
As your contract hasn't started, the 2 month clause does not apply yet, so I do think you are going to have to start.
As for SLT attitude - similar pressures exist everywhere and it's easy to think things might be better elsewhere.
Personally, I'd work out the year, but of course, you must make your own mind up.

Original poster
theundecided · 21/07/2017 06:28

Clona I will take the job- I just want to leave at the earliest point I can. The timetable is more of the final straw rather than the main reason although it involves teaching a key stage and a subject which I have no familiarity with and no training in. It wasn't what I was employed to teach and I don't want to teach it- it isn't even closely related.
I don't want to give too many details as I'm worried it would be identifying but the head is an extraordinarily rude and unprofessional individual. I would rather not work anywhere than work for him. I won't work there- it's just a matter of how soon I can reasonable leave

OP posts:
Clonakilty · 21/07/2017 07:11

You are at liberty to give your notice right now if you like; do it straight away and leave at Christmas.

Clonakilty · 21/07/2017 07:25

Be prepared to have to explain your very short working period in any subsequent applications, though, which won't go down well. Don't forget that your next employer will be contacting your current head about it as well, especially if you stay in the independent sector. Really, if you take a teaching job, a year is the minimum you should be looking it, from an employer's perspective.
All the best.

Original poster
theundecided · 21/07/2017 08:19

I agree with you generally Clona - I've worked in state for 10 years in 2 schools and enjoyed it all despite some awkward SLT....! I know it's not going to be amazing on my CV but I could justify this if I was talking to someone in person.
I am thoroughly miserable at the thought of working in the school and actually feel quite distressed by it- imo nothing is worth that - it's only a job and I'm sure someone else will do it better than me. Thanks for your advice Smile

OP posts:
Wallahibillahitallahi · 21/07/2017 08:27

Tell them you won't be starting the job, because it isn't the job they offered you

Clonakilty · 21/07/2017 09:25

If it's making you miserable already, it isn't a place in which you want to be. I'd be upfront and tell them straightaway, but be prepared to work out the term as that's the notice you need to give for independent schools. With any luck, they'll find someone through an agency quickly and you might not have to start at all.

MumBod · 21/07/2017 13:09

Just resign. They're not going to throw you in jail.

ChinchillaFur · 21/07/2017 13:46

You can just resign now, and they have 6 weeks to find a replacement.

I know technically the next deadline is 31st Oct for leaving at xmas, but the Head can accept your resignation with immediate effect if they want. Yes, it won't look ideal on your CV etc but it's not like it's a criminal offence.

I do have personal experience of doing this, which I won't go into in detail on here, but needless to say I left at the 'wrong' time and everything worked out ok for me in the end. PM me if you like.

SpeakOutMum · 21/07/2017 14:16

This Head sounds very familiar OP! If it is the same one, beware the reference or informal telephone call to any future employers/prospective employers. He also has his own personal solicitor specialising in employment contracts/gagging clauses. Did your friend not warn you he was difficult to work with? What does your friend say, knowing the situation better?

Backtoblack1 · 21/07/2017 14:20

Contact you union...

Backtoblack1 · 21/07/2017 14:20

Your*

Whinberry · 22/07/2017 09:01

If your contract says two months then you don't need to work until Christmas - established resignation points within state schools are irrelevant. I would give notice now to the head that you won't be starting.

Original poster
theundecided · 22/07/2017 11:08

Speakout my friend both attended the school and has never worked anywhere else so I think she considers him 'quirky' but normal, which he definitely isn't!

OP posts:
OhTheRoses · 22/07/2017 11:14

You have signed a contract that starts 1st September. You are not yet legally contracted to them. They have subsequently given you terms and conditions that ate unacceptable to you.

Write and note that you do not accept the terms and conditions and note that you will not be taking up the position on first September.

You are not yet contracted to them. You can revoke your acceptance of the contract now because the t&d's differ from those you agreed.

SpeakOutMum · 22/07/2017 15:18

Do make sure you put your reasons in writing very clearly, copy direct to the relevant Governor and Chair, and copy for you. With the HM I am thinking of, I would try to avoid working for him at all if possible and then he will have less he can legitimately say in the reference, not that it will stop him trying. I think parents would not be too pleased either if they knew their children's new permanent teacher has no familiarity or training in the subject he now is demanding you teach.

SpeakOutMum · 02/08/2017 11:20

Any progress OP? Hopefully it has worked out ok for you.

Farontothemaddingcrowd · 02/08/2017 11:26

This sounds like a school I know! Is the head's initial K?

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