Withdrawing from job offer

[user1471600203]

Hello, just looking for some advice please. At the end of last term I verbally accepted a job in a new school. Both on the day of the interview (after accepting, unfortunately) and over the summer holidays I have had serious doubts about my decision. Am I able to decline this offer now? I’m due to start in January. No contract has been signed, although I understand that verbal contracts can be binding. Thanks in advance for your advice.

I’m no expert but I do really think the verbal “yes” is considered as a final yes. The issue is probably going to be that they’ll have to potentially recruit and if you said no they could have offered it to the next person etc.

but again I’m not 100% sure! So I know some of the experts can help

If you were in post now you could resign at half term and leave at Christmas.

I would ring the school and make up something about 'unforeseen circumstances' - and withdraw - but be aware heads talk to each other - and you may get a bad rep (although to be honest in the current 'not enough teachers' - situation - i'm not sure if that matters).

Thank you both so much for your replies.