We Are Quitting Teaching – Here’s Why

The UK education system is at a crossroads. Across staffrooms and social media feeds, conversations about teacher burnout, Ofsted pressure and impossible workloads are louder than ever. In Episode 117 of Teach Sleep Repeat we shared openly and honestly that we are leaving classroom teaching and the response has been extraordinary.

This is not a spur of the moment choice. It is the result of years of long evenings spent planning, marking and meeting targets that seemed to move further away every term. The passion that drew us to teaching has not disappeared but the conditions around it have made it unsustainable. Our story mirrors what thousands of UK teachers are quietly feeling but rarely say out loud.

The Breaking Points Teachers Know Too Well

Workload has ballooned beyond reason. The job has become an endless cycle of paperwork, data analysis and micromanagement. Ofsted inspections and ever shifting government directives have piled on pressure leaving teachers feeling judged on metrics rather than meaningful impact. The joy of creative and child centred teaching has been squeezed out by box ticking.

Teacher wellbeing is suffering. Burnout, anxiety and health issues are now common topics in staffrooms. Retention data from the Department for Education confirms what we are seeing on the ground as too many talented professionals are leaving within their first five years.

Why Speaking Out Matters

Sharing this decision on Teach Sleep Repeat was not easy but the wave of messages from teachers across the UK proved the conversation is essential. From new teachers already questioning their future to experienced educators who feel trapped the crisis is real. By putting our own experiences on the record we hoped to validate others and call attention to the urgent need for change in workload expectations inspection culture and professional trust.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Leaving full time teaching does not mean abandoning education. Through Top Dog Tutoring this podcast and other exciting projects, we remain committed to supporting pupils parents and fellow educators. Stepping away allows us to create resources spark honest discussions and advocate for better conditions without sacrificing our health and families.

What Teachers and Leaders Can Take Away

Your wellbeing matters just as much as your pupils’ progress. Burnout is not a badge of honour. The teacher retention crisis is not inevitable if workload pay and autonomy are addressed with urgency. And perhaps most importantly speaking openly about the reality of teaching is the first step toward change.

Listen to the full episode now!