Support staff interview

[funniestpersonyouknow]

I work in a secondary school as support staff (attendance lead and deputy DSL) - have only been there a year but for many reasons I am looking for a new position. Obviously I can't book annual leave (finding this lack of flexibility with AL difficult which is one of the reasons I'm looking for a different role) - how do I deal with having an interview for a new position? I don't want to lie about why I need time off but I'm also nervous about telling my manager I'm going for an interview (she will in all likelihood make my life a living hell - another reason for wanting to leave!). Any suggestions? I was in my last role 13 years but it wasn't in education so used my annual leave when I had my interview for this job!

You simply have to ask for the time off, and be honest about why.

Reading between the lines I guess she’s not your best friend in school already, and learning that you’re looking elsewhere may just give her a jolt! But I know it’s really hard when you’re in that sort of position.

Thanks for the replies. I know there isn't really a choice here, I'm just very concerned about how my line manager will deal with the fact that I'm clearly looking for another job. Obviously getting an interview doesn't mean I will get the new job and I can see life being made very difficult for me once SLT know I'm looking elsewhere but guess I'll just have to deal with it and use that as extra motivation to move on