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Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Thursday, 25 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Teachers: Part-time Employment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of schools issuing timetables and working patterns after teacher resignation deadlines on part time teachers.

Answer

For most teachers, resignation arrangements, including dates, are set out in the Burgundy Book. This is a national agreement negotiated with employers by the six teachers’ unions. The department has no authority or responsibility for the Burgundy Book. Resignation details are therefore currently the responsibility of employers, which, in a school setting, is normally the local authority or Academy Trust.

We are encouraging schools and multi-academy trusts to adopt a strategic approach to flexible working, including having open conversations with staff, designing clear processes for managing requests that reflect the needs of staff, leaders and pupils, and ensuring these processes are aligned with workforce planning and timetabling to support clarity around working arrangements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11866
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Part-time employment Working hours Teachers
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk