I have an interview day for a non teaching job, what is the etiquette in schools?

[Mumtimes2]

I have worked for the same school for the duration of my lengthy teaching career. I love working in education and have been offered the chance to interview for another job in education but not a school setting. It is a whole day. I applied for the job after a particularly demanding and gruelling day and I have gone through phases where I have had enough, applied for jobs and never got through the application stage. I am never all that bothered about it and just get on with my job. I love working in education, but find it over-demanding and this year, for various reasons, feels harder. I also love where I work.

My dilemma is, this new post is for less money, so I would have to do my sums first, but what is really bothering me is that I will have to ask for the whole day off and give a reason. I don’t want to lie, but I don’t want to create any potential issues by saying I want to interview for another job. It is a supportive work environment and if I was actively looking to get out, I would be more open as I have in previous non teaching roles. But I am not actively looking, this role came up in an environment I would love to work in, would be a step up career wise (despite lower remuneration) and better hours and commute. That said, I don’t want to be viewed as somebody who isn’t committed to my current role, because I am.

How could I frame this in a professional way?

I mean, I am in two minds about whether I would accept, if offered, so I don’t want to burn any bridges at my current place.

Personally, I would go and speak to your headteacher. I would say something like “I really enjoy working here and although I am not actively looking for a new job I came across an amazing opportunity that was too good to miss. I didn’t expect an interview but I have been offered one on X date. I am still considering whether I would like this role but wanted to inform you as I will require the day off. Please know that if I decide against this opportunity that I am still happy working here”.

If the potential job comes under the KCSIE Safer Recruitment guidance then your referees (which must include your current headteacher) will be contacted before your interview, so you need to tell them. Just explain your reasoning as in your OP.

I think that this may be less of an issue than you expect. With safer recruitment, your head will know that you haven’t been applying for other jobs as, if you had, they would have had to provide references for you. I also think it’s also easier to explain more specific roles like this than if you were to apply to another local school for a similar role to the one you’re currently doing. In that scenario, you are looking to leave your current job for something to connected to the existing school set up. In your case, you’re looking to move for a specific role which isn’t available where you are now.