Bother, job I want has come up but I can't go for it.

[TheletterZ]

I am doing my PGCE. My second placement school was wonderful and somewhere I want to end up, (it is a boarding school and I really enjoyed that aspect). When I was there I was told they would offer me a job if there was one but there wasn't.

I applied for other NQT jobs and got one in a very nice school, which I am happy with. But today my placement school has just advertised for a physics teacher. I don't think there was any dishonesty, I suspect someone's circumstances have changed. I wish I could go for it but I have signed the contract etc...

Thing is it is a small department and there are not often changes of staff so probably won't get another opportunity.

Bummer.

Why can’t you apply for it?

Why don't you apply for it at least and at the same time see if there's any way around the other contract so if you do get offered the job you know what the possibilities are?

Because I have already signed a contract to start another job in September.

Sorry was typing when you posted. I’m worried if there is no way round it I will be letting the new school down and if I ca pull out of the contract I will be letting that school down.

I am in a very similar boat, it’s a hard one.

Can you be honest with your placement school? Explain as you have here.
What does the small print on the contract say?

What is the notice period on the contract you have signed? I know you haven't started yet but, if you can give the minimum notice which I'm guessing will be a half term/term, then presumably they can still find a replacement?

Spring Term Resignation deadline for teachers is 31st May. So even if you've signed a contract to start in September, you can resign before 31st May with a clear conscience. It won't be what they want, but they can't make you start the post and then serve notice.

Thank you everyone. I think I am going to look at applying and yes, my contract notice period is 31st May for summer leave.

Obviously, if I apply I might not get the job but I would be very keen to work there so it does seem best to go for it.

I haven't worked for 13 years so finding everything very new and overwhelming (as well as coping with the PGCE!).

Be very careful and think long and hard before you resign from job 1. Teaching is a very small world and you could damage your reputation among several local schools.

As a physics teacher you are in a subject with a severe shortage, so provided if you get the job you would like you make sure you follow the rules about handing your notice in, and are nice about it then I would take the risk.

I think if you follow your contract, the other school, whilst annoyed at losing out on a teacher, will understand given the circumstances.