Resignations at the 31 October Deadline: A Headteacher's Checklist (2026)

A checklist for headteachers, business managers and HR leads in England and Wales getting ready for the 31 October resignation deadline. Under the Burgundy Book, a classroom teacher who wants to leave at the end of the autumn term must give notice by 31 October. In 2026 that's a Saturday, so notice could arrive while school is closed.

What's inside

• The Burgundy Book notice dates for classroom teachers and headteachers for each term
• What to sort before 31 October, including how notice that arrives over half term will be picked up
• What to do when a resignation arrives, from acknowledging it to planning the handover
• Options for covering the post in January, with the points to weigh up for each
• A notes table to log resignations and next steps

Format: editable Word document and a PDF. A planning aid, not legal or HR advice.

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