Job Dilemma

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Ladies, Hi,

I am quite confused and not sure if I'm making any sense, so I'm just posting this here—apologies if I sound stupid!

Here's the situation:

I decided to accept a new job offer from a school with a £23,500 per annum salary for 16 lessons spread across three days. They are allowing me to start at P2 and finish at 4 p.m. (it's an independent school). I will have pro rata basis duties but will not be a form tutor. I accepted this offer last term.

On the other hand, my current school (I think they didn't find a new teacher) has just decided to counteroffer with £25,000 at 0.5 FTE—paid INSET days, and my duties will include co-tutoring, lunch duties, and cover duties in addition to teaching.

I'm in a dilemma—I have already signed the contract for the 2025 start. Is it okay to break it? What could be the consequences?

Do I need to inform HR (new school) if I decide to stay back?

Also, even though I have no major complaints with my current school, I thought a new job might be a good change and perhaps an opportunity to grow in a relatively small department.

Please help me navigate this situation. Thanks in advance!

It's not OK to breach a contract, no, but you need specialist advice from the legal team at your union on what the potential consequences would be. There are very few state schools who would have the resources to pursue you for breach of contract but it may be a different story in the independent sector. You also need to consider the 'soft' implications of this decision, as it will burn a bridge with the new school and the people there.

Thanks for your reply. Both schools are private schools, and the new school has not initiated any recruitment process other than both parties signing the document.

I agree it's not the correct approach, but some scenarios have amplified for me on the home front, and therefore I'm trying to make things work. To be honest, the financial aspect has become more important than ever!

Best ask your union for advice, then. Good luck.