When to Start Looking for January Teaching Jobs

If you’re considering a new teaching role in January 2027, now is the time to start thinking about your next move.

For teachers in England covered by the Burgundy Book terms, 31 October 2026 is the usual resignation deadline for leaving at the end of the autumn term and taking up a new role for the spring term. Teachers should give notice by 31 October if they intend to leave on 31 December.

But you don’t need to wait until October to start looking for January teaching jobs. In fact, starting your search earlier can give you more time to consider your options, speak to schools and find a role that genuinely suits what you’re looking for.

When is the teacher resignation deadline for January 2027?

For teachers employed under the Burgundy Book arrangements, the standard resignation dates are linked to the end of each school term.

For a teacher looking to leave at the end of the autumn term and start a new position in January, the relevant resignation date is 31 October 2026. The autumn term ends on 31 December under the standard arrangements, meaning teachers who want to move at this point need to give the appropriate notice.

However, your individual circumstances and contract matter. Not every teacher or education professional is employed under exactly the same terms, so you should always check your contract and confirm your notice requirements with your employer before handing in your resignation. GOV.UK also advises employers to confirm an employee’s notice period and last working day when a resignation is received.

What if you haven’t found a January teaching job by 31 October?

Don’t panic.

The 31 October resignation deadline doesn’t mean there will be no teaching opportunities after this date. Schools recruit throughout the academic year, and vacancies can arise for a variety of reasons, including staff changes, maternity cover, long-term absence and changes in school requirements.

If you miss the deadline for a January move, you may still be able to explore roles with different start dates depending on your circumstances and contractual notice period.

This is particularly important if you’re considering supply teaching, temporary teaching jobs or fixed-term positions, as their notice requirements can differ from those of permanent teachers. Always check the specific terms of your contract before making a decision.

Thinking about a new teaching role in January 2027?

If you’ve been considering a change, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start looking. Use October to explore what’s available, speak to recruiters and think about what you’d like from your next school.

Whether you’re looking for primary teaching jobs, secondary teaching jobs, teaching assistant jobs, SEND roles or other education opportunities, Prospero Teaching can help you explore your options.

The 31 October deadline may be approaching, but your next opportunity could already be out there.