Let me lay before you a senario which has changed my life and extended my teaching career by some years and has also reminded me how much fun it is to be in teaching.

 At 54 and a half years of age I began to think that the very well paid job I held for many years was beginning to take over every waking minute of my life. A permanent daze with myself running to stand still. Keeping a sucessful department at the forefront. Wife a stranger everything second to work.

Looked on pensions website saw a little gem about PHASED Retirement. Could not then get this out of my head. Went to the head told me not to be daft. Went again with a plan. Hand over my management responsibilities to X. teach a 50% TT KS4 only so no disadvantage tro school. Department grows to include a brand new taecher with all their enthusiasm. Refreshes Dept etc.

 He took my hand off.

Got advice from an IFA chose to start with 75% pension with minimum lump sum.

Lost all management allowances but retained threshold payments.

 Result after paying the morgage off and ducking below the higher tax bracket. £127 less a month.

My life back, a happy family better supported by me. Better prepared lessons. The continued love and company of my colleagues. Extended renewed energy on inputing ideas for the school.

Department thriving, fresh thinking, still called on as mentor/ sounding board,. Increased work for the exam board which will negate the £127!

I am a lucky guy. Getting off when at the top. I am able to reduce hours again in a further phase say at 58. and the look forward to full retirement with lump sum which is again of course building up a five further years.

You have to have the forms signed by the headteacher- so make your sales pitch as to the advantages to everyone.

Happy Christmas to you all

Mac

I suppose this model will become much more common in the future to enable teachers to have longer working lives.

Always good to hear of someone who's happy.

Kind words, nice cat. I would urge like minded -strong (but getting fed up with it) teachers to consider this route. Still a central role to play in school as a more relaxed and effective teacher but nice gaps for yourself and family  such as Sundays on the fells, Tuesday at quiz night without feeling the slightest pressure. Only the good stress which motivates us remains!

 Mac

32 years 301 days service overall. Like the other contributor said below get your head around the calculators in the TP site.They are reliable. If you paid pension contributions in your HE pt role these could be added. I had 6.5 years added in from my previous council job.

Best wishes enjoy your holiday.

J Mac