How to Leave?

[HarrassedMumof3]

I am desperate to get out of my current school because of the culture of fear and bullying that exists. It’s part of a MAT.
Is there any way I can get out before Easter? I know I’m supposed to resign by Feb 28th but what would the consequences be if I left before that?

Speak to your Head, and see if they would be amenable to you leaving at Xmas.

I'd say Feb half term is a safe bet

He won’t let me leave at Christmas, I’m sure - there are loads of staff leaving and they can’t recruit.
Maybe half term but he could refuse me a reference couldn’t he?

He can't refuse to give you a reference! Speak to your he department.

You can request to leave at Feb Half term. The headteacher could deny your request. It wouldn't hurt to ask. If things get tricky, the union can help you to negotiate a reference.

He’s been known to write awful references for good staff just to stop them leaving.
I have no faith whatsoever that he’ll write me a decent one.
Thanks for all the advice.

The only trouble with leaving at Feb half term, is that it's not a normal leaving date, so it will be questioned by future employers (if you stay in teaching). Also, they can refuse to write you a reference - no one has to write a reference for anyone. He can also write a bad one, as long as everything in it is factually true.

I worked for a bullying HT, and I left with no job to go to, but I made sure I left at a normal leaving date (Easter). However, because he was already rid of me, he wrote a bad reference when I started applying for jobs again - fortunately though it was factually incorrect and I could fight it. Even then, it was difficult to get job interviews for permanent jobs, so I did some supply work (agencies were completely unfazed by the reference - I think they see a lot worse, and I teach a shortage subject). I got a term's work in one school with a lovely HT, who wrote me a glowing reference, and I was then out from under the clutches of the bullying Head.

I would have a chat with your union rep, or ring the regional office for some advice

Feb half term is fine if you can line up a new job with a Feb half term start (lots on eteach maternity covers etc) so you'll have no employment gaps

Go at Feb half term. There's a huge and worsening recruitment crisis - no one will bat an eyelid that it's an unusual time, schools will just be grateful for a 'safe pair of hands' teacher to step in, either that or there will be lots of day to day work that time of year (in my experience).