Do I have to tell my Head I've applied for another job?

[HarrySnotter]

In another school? Obviously I would tell her if I was given an interview but do I still have to if I'm only applying? My friend says I don't have to, I think that I do.

Schools usually take up references before interview.

Yes. Our head got really narky when some teachers did this and said it’s only good manners to alert her before the reference request lands on her desk.

Thanks, I thought so. Awkward conversation to be had tomorrow then ...

I think the education sector is appalling in this regard; in no other job do you have to tell your 'boss' you are applying for a job or get references beforehand.
Also, 'To Whom it May Concern' references are not accepted either.
IMO it just makes a stressful job even more stressful, if you don't get the job, you're stuck with a head who may be very miffed with you.

It’s because interviews are done and jobs are offered on the same day. Schools can’t afford the time to check references afterwards.

Safeguarding in education means references are picked up before interview. One of which must be your current/most recent employer.

Doesn't the application form ask whether references can be requested before interviews or not? I'm sure all application forms I've filled in ask that. I really wouldn't want my Head to know I'm looking. It's bad enough having to tell them you're going for an interview.

It was only last year I was applying and I'm certain it asked whether they could obtain references before the interview... Maybe it varies in different areas.

We have interviewed over 3 days, then taken another couple to make a job offer, subject to references, so they are not all offered on the same day, there often is a delay.

Yes, but if you put no it is likely Heads will get sniffy. And also if you put no and you get called for interview they will want that reference before offering you the job anyway?

Doesn't the application form ask whether references can be requested before interviews or not?

I will been advised that some schools will not even consider interviewing someone if they put no! I don't know if that's true or not but it's possible I suppose.

How on earth have you had enough candidates to interview over 3 days? We have just had to readvertise due to no applicants again.

You have to tell the Head - to be fair, Heads are used to hearing this and obviously a fair percentage don't get job offers from it, so in my experience, I've just emailed them to let them know, and I've usually had a reply to the effect of "Yeah, whatever" - honestly, on top of all the other far more important things they have to think about, they won't be bothered.

Not that I agree with it though! The whole teaching recruitment process is just BIZARRE compare to how it's done in industry. In industry, they'll often take a week or two to decide, which also gives the candidate a week or two to decide. The power is much more equal in industry, whereas in teaching the Head holds all the cards and all the power. Teaching must attract management types who are very insecure.

I know I've made mistakes, taking a job when I shouldn't have because I wasn't given time to sleep on it, and Headteachers must have also made the same mistake - if they were just a bit more chilled about the whole thing, like they are in industry, then the whole process would be better for Heads as well as teachers.

@noblegiraffe
Really? For a teaching post? I'm M6 and always convinced loads of NQTS are applying...

Yep tell your Head. I told mine this week that I am. She was ok about it and wished me luck.

KS4 maths this time. For NQT posts we normally get a handful of applicants at this point in the year, it gets very dicey towards the summer as they’ve mostly got jobs by that point.

5 applicants, were really spoiled for choice on that one; but have had other vacancies with zero!

She won't be impressed. So many of us are looking elsewhere just now because the school is in such a mess. I haven't been there very long but for the sake of my own mental health, I need out of there.

If so many of you are looking, she’ll just be adding your name to a list of people to not be impressed by, and if the school is a mess she has bigger fish to fry. Things are already so bad that you’re looking to leave, so you just need to make sure you do!

Just package it as you want to expand your experiance..develop as a teacher...take on new responsibilities etc. Don't make it about leaving because the school is crap.

Or that is what we have been told ;)

I agree the education sector is strange and backward in this regard. Most schools want it both ways in my experience - references up front but then take days to make an offer, if they even bother to get back to you at all. And don't get me started on the ones that don't reveal essential facts such as the salary, working hours, percentage of full time etc!

I accept that for child protection reasons references must be taken up, but I don't see why schools can't take them up after interviewing but before making an offer (or as happens in other sectors, make the offer 'subject to references'). That would be less awkward for everyone concerned and might even mean more candidates came forward.

The power is much more equal in industry, whereas in teaching the Head holds all the cards and all the power.

Not true in maintained schools. Governors are part of the process of employing staff.

Also, often references don't come through in time. Teaching jobs are often offered subject to references and clearance.