5 Signs It's Time to Move Schools

If you can’t remember the last time you learned something new in your role, it may be time to move. Professional stagnation is one of the biggest drivers of teacher attrition.

Ask yourself: Am I being challenged? Are there leadership opportunities? Is the school investing in my development? If the answer to all three is no, you owe it to yourself to explore what’s out there.

Schools evolve — and so do teachers. A school that was the perfect fit five years ago may no longer reflect your professional philosophy. Perhaps the leadership has changed, the behaviour policy doesn’t work, or the focus has shifted away from what matters to you.

Culture misalignment leads to frustration, reduced motivation, and eventually burnout. Pay attention to how you feel on Sunday evenings — if dread is your default, it’s a significant signal.

Every school has busy periods, but if you’re consistently working 60+ hour weeks with no sign of improvement, the issue is systemic. A supportive school actively works to protect teacher time through streamlined marking policies, shared resources, and realistic expectations.

If your current school treats excessive workload as “just part of the job,” consider looking for one that doesn’t.

If you’ve applied for internal leadership roles and been repeatedly overlooked without clear feedback, it may indicate that the school doesn’t see your progression as a priority. Sometimes a fresh start at a school that recognises your potential is exactly what you need.

Many teachers who move schools for a TLR or middle leadership position report a significant boost in confidence and job satisfaction.

Sometimes the desire to move isn’t about anything negative — it’s about curiosity and growth. Perhaps you want to try an independent school after working in the state sector, or you’re drawn to the adventure of teaching internationally.

A change of environment can reignite your passion for teaching, expose you to new pedagogies, and expand your professional network in ways that wouldn’t happen if you stayed put.

If you recognised yourself in any of these signs, here’s what to do next:

• Update your CV and have it reviewed by a colleague or career coach
• Research schools that align with your values and career goals
• Talk to teachers who work at schools you’re interested in
• Set up job alerts to stay informed of new opportunities
• Consider whether you want a lateral move or a step up

One of the most common reasons teachers stay in schools that no longer serve them is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of starting again, fear of regretting the decision. This is entirely natural — teaching is a deeply personal profession and your school community becomes part of your identity.

But staying somewhere out of comfort rather than conviction comes at a cost. Research from the Teacher Wellbeing Index shows that teachers who have considered leaving but stayed report lower job satisfaction and higher stress levels than those who made a move. The anticipation of change is almost always worse than the reality of it.

It helps to reframe the decision. You are not leaving something behind — you are moving towards something better. Every successful teacher you admire has made difficult career decisions at some point. The ones who thrived are the ones who were honest with themselves about when it was time.

Moving schools is a significant decision, and due diligence is essential. Before you apply, invest time in genuine research:

• Visit the school website — Read their vision statement, recent newsletters, and any published development plan. Look for consistency between what they say and what they do.
• Read the Ofsted report — Not just the grade, but the detail. What areas are they working on? How does leadership respond to challenge?
• Check social media — Schools that are active on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, or Instagram often reveal their culture through what they celebrate and share.
• Talk to current or former staff — If you can, find someone who works there. Ask honest questions about workload, leadership support, and CPD opportunities.
• Visit in person — Ask to visit before applying. Walk the corridors, observe lessons if possible, and trust your instincts about the feel of the place.

A beautiful website does not guarantee a supportive workplace. Equally, a school with a modest online presence might be exactly the nurturing environment you need. Look beyond the surface and make your decision based on substance, not style.

Timing matters in teaching recruitment. The main resignation dates in England are 31 October (for a January start), 28 February (for an Easter start), and 31 May (for a September start). The September cycle is by far the largest, with most vacancies advertised between January and April.

International schools operate on different timelines. Many recruit at fairs between October and February for August or September starts. If you are considering a move abroad, you will need to plan further ahead than you would for a domestic move.

Whatever the timing, avoid handing in your resignation before you have a confirmed offer in writing. It is also worth considering whether a mid-year move is right for you — while less common, January starts can be a good option if the right opportunity arises and you are ready to move quickly.