As the 31st May resignation deadline approaches, many UK teachers find themselves reflecting on their current roles and contemplating potential changes. For drama teachers, this period can be especially poignant, balancing end-of-year productions with considerations about the future. That’s why we’ve put together this teacher’s guide to the May resignation deadline to help you.
What is the May resignation deadline?
In most UK schools, teachers need to give notice by 31st May if they plan to leave at the end of the academic year (31st August). This deadline, outlined in the Burgundy Book, allows schools to recruit replacements in time for the new school year. Missing this date means staying put until Christmas unless you come to a separate agreement with your school.
Why this time of year hits hard for drama teachers
Drama teachers are often juggling intense show seasons, practical assessments, and coursework marking in April and May. This workload can make it difficult to know whether you’re genuinely ready for a change or simply burnt out. Take a breath. Step back. And ask the deeper questions:
- Am I fulfilled in my current role?
- Do I feel valued and supported by my department and leadership team?
- Is this exhaustion temporary, or is it a sign of a bigger misalignment?
Questions to ask before deciding to resign
1. Why do I want to leave – and what would I be running away from or towards?
If your current role feels draining, clarify whether you’re trying to escape a temporary situation or seeking something more aligned.
2. What does my ideal next step look like?
- A more collaborative drama department?
- Better behaviour support?
- A school that truly values the arts?
- Leadership opportunities or less pressure?
3. Could things improve if I stayed?
Have you voiced your concerns? Is there space for change within your current role? Sometimes, a difficult conversation or a new project can shift the energy.
4. What role is my well-being playing in this decision?
Talk to trusted colleagues, a coach, or even a union rep. Decisions made from exhaustion are rarely the best ones.
Advice from recruitment experts
Teacher recruitment agencies like Teaching Personnel and Engage Education advise starting your job search early if you’re planning to resign. According to Teaching Personnel’s resignation guide, many schools begin shortlisting before half-term to stay ahead of the deadline. The earlier you start browsing roles and polishing your CV, the better.
Recruiters also note that flexibility is increasing. Some schools are open to job shares, part-time roles, or creative teaching arrangements – especially for high-demand subjects like drama. Don’t assume your dream role doesn’t exist until you’ve looked.
If you do decide to go…
Make it an empowered choice. Resigning from a role doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it means you’re prioritising your own growth.
- Research target schools and their arts provision
- Tailor your application to highlight creative achievements
- Ask for support from colleagues or mentors with interview prep
And remember: schools aren’t just hiring your skills, they’re hiring YOU. Bring your energy, your empathy, your adaptability – the traits that make drama teachers magic.
And if you choose to stay…
There’s power in staying, too. Maybe you’re ready to step into a new leadership project. Maybe you want to fight for better recognition of the arts from inside the system. Maybe this is just not the right time for a change.
If you stay, make it conscious:
- What do you want to shift next year?
- How can you protect your energy?
- What projects will keep you creatively fulfilled?
Staying isn’t settling. It can be a strong, rooted choice.
Don’t forget your support networks
Whether you’re staying or going, lean into support:
- Unions (like NASUWT or NEU) can advise on resignation timelines, rights, and negotiating workload
- Recruitment agencies can help explore the market, prep your CV, and guide your applications
- Fellow drama teachers know what you’re facing. Online forums, Facebook groups, or even local drama networks can provide solidarity and advice
Final thoughts
This isn’t just about leaving or staying. It’s about choosing the path that aligns best with who you are becoming. If May has you questioning everything, you’re not alone. Use this time to pause, reflect, and honour your next move.
Whether you decide to pass the baton or re-commit to your current school, know this:
Drama teachers bring life, laughter and learning wherever they go.
Make the choice that lets your spark shine brightest.
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I’m not in the teaching profession, but this post really struck a chord with me. The questions around fulfilment, burnout, and making a conscious decision rather than a rushed one are so relevant across many fields. I especially appreciated the reminder that staying can be just as powerful as leaving. Sometimes it’s not about escape, but about finding alignment. This was such a thoughtful, balanced read. Thank you for sharing it!
Hi Sharon. Thanks for your insightful comments here. I agree that some of the things you need to consider when moving on or staying put are not really specific to teaching and this post could apply to anyone considering those things. I also agree that sometimes you need to find ‘alignment’ as you point our and to refocus your thoughts and beliefs. You may like some of the ideas on another website of mine, which is about creating the life you want using the Law of Attraction. You can find that at http://www.thecreativechoice.org and specifically one about how to improve staff wellbeing.
I used to take drama at school and found my drama teacher was prone to outbursts of anger. How can drama teachers effectively assess whether their feelings of burnout are temporary or indicative of a deeper misalignment with their current role, and what strategies can they employ to make a well-informed decision about staying or resigning?
Hi Paul. Thank you for sharing your experience here. I think it’s a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a teacher can have on people, be that positive or challenging and I’m sorry to hear that your experience of drama was not so great. Your question about burnout is an important one as teaching drama, or ANY teaching to be honest, can be emotionally and physically demanding, and the high levels of energy, empathy, and creativity we pour into our work can sometimes tip over into exhaustion. I think that applies to many people though, especially in today’s society where stress is so prevalent.
A good starting point for drama teachers or anyone I think, is to pause and reflect on some key questions:
Is the exhaustion constant, or does it ebb and flow with the term or work cycle?
Do you still find moments of joy or connection in your teaching week?
Are the challenges coming from the classroom itself, or from the wider environment – like workload, leadership, home, a relationship or a mismatch of values?
People have to be really honest here. If the feeling is persistent and linked to a loss of purpose, or the person notices changes in their behaviour (like irritability, emotional distance, or low motivation), it could suggest a deeper misalignment rather than just going through a rough patch.
Strategies that can help include:
Talking to trusted colleagues or a mentor – sometimes an outside perspective is invaluable in situations like these
Journalling honestly about your day-to-day experiences to spot patterns – I highly recommend this because it focuses your thoughts
Setting boundaries and ensuring you’ve got regular time to rest, reset, and recharge
Exploring CPD or drama networks – sometimes a sense of renewal comes from finding new inspiration or support
And importantly, giving yourself permission to consider new paths without guilt – staying or leaving are both valid choices when made consciously.
We’re planning more resources to support drama teachers navigating these decisions – thank you for raising such a thoughtful and timely question.
You may find a sister site of mine useful here to answer some bigger questions about life, the universe and everything, which you can find at http://www.thecreativechoice.org as this is all about creating a fulfilling life that you love. In particular, you might like the articles on: How to stay steady in worrying times, and the benefits of reducing stress.
All the best, Gail.