DBS checks for private tutors: a full step-by-step guide

At GoStudent, our mission is to help every child reach their full potential. To do that, we ensure that all students are matched with the right tutor - someone knowledgeable, supportive and, above all, safeguarded through the appropriate background checks.

This is why tutors in the UK - including online tutors and professionals working via a tutoring agency - must complete an enhanced DBS check before teaching children, young people, or vulnerable adults. This legal requirement exists to protect these demographics, ensuring that anyone working with these groups of people has been properly vetted.

To become a tutor with GoStudent, all private teachers must obtain an enhanced DBS check.

If you’re considering becoming a tutor, you may have questions such as:

• What is the Disclosure and Barring Service?
• Do all private tutors need a DBS certificate?
• Is an enhanced check legally required?
• Who can apply for an enhanced DBS check?
• How long does it take?
• Do the same rules apply to online tutors?
• Do I need a DBS certificate if I'm self employed?

You'll find the answers to all of these questions in this article, together with a complete step-by-step guide to getting your enhanced DBS certificate with GoStudent.

Contents

1. Key takeaways
2. What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)?
3. The four levels of DBS checks
4. Who needs an enhanced DBS certificate?
5. Do self-employed tutors also need to apply for background checks?
6. Can I apply for my own enhanced DBS certificate?
7. How long does an enhanced DBS check take?
8. How often do you need a DBS check?
9. How much does an enhanced DBS check cost?
10. Why are DBS checks important for tutors?
11. How to get an enhanced DBS certificate with GoStudent

Key takeaways 

• DBS checks are required by law for individuals working with children and vulnerable adults

• Different levels of assessment are available, ranging from basic to enhanced checks

• While not a legal requirement for self-employed tutors, many private teacher opt to obtain a DBS certificate to provide peace of mind for parents

• All GoStudent tutors are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

What is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)? 

The Disclosure and Barring Service - often shortened to 'DBS' - is an public body the helps employers and organisations in the UK make safer recruitment decisions by processing criminal record checks. These checks help determine whether someone is suitable to work with vulnerable individuals, including children.

The DBS is responsible for:

• Issuing DBS certificates.

• Running the children’s barred list and adults’ barred list.

• Making decisions on whether individuals should be prevented from taking part in regulated activity. Regulated activities include teaching, supervising, training, and providing healthcare and fostering services.

• Sharing relevant information from the local police force.

• Supporting safeguarding across schools, agencies, local authorities and tutoring organisations.

The barring service ensures that people who pose a risk cannot legally work with vulnerable groups.

Applying in Scotland or Northern Ireland

As the DBS only covers England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, different systems apply elsewhere:

• Scotland: Enhanced disclosure certificates are processed by Disclosure Scotland.

• Northern Ireland: Enhanced checks are processed by AccessNI.

GoStudent submits applications to these bodies on behalf of tutors based in these regions.

The four levels of DBS checks

Although many tutors have heard of enhanced DBS checks, there are actually four different types of assessment. Both tutors and parents can benefit from understanding the differences between basic background checks and the highest-level safeguarding processes.

1. Basic DBS check

A basic DBS check reveals unspent convictions only. Individuals can apply for this themselves.
This level is not sufficient for tutors working with children or young people.

2. Standard DBS check

A standard check includes:

• Spent and unspent convictions

• Cautions, reprimands and warnings

This type of check cannot be requested by an individual - an organisation or employer must submit a request on their behalf.

3. Enhanced DBS check (required for tutors)

An enhanced DBS check is necessary for anyone carrying out regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults. The majority of private tutoring agencies in the UK require that their employees undergo an enhanced DBS check.

An enhanced DBS check includes:

• Everything in a standard check

• Additional relevant information held by local police forces

• The option for employers to request a barred list check

Enhanced DBS checks are required for all GoStudent tutors.

4. Enhanced DBS check with barred lists

This includes:

• All standard and enhanced information

• A check of one or both barred lists

This level is required when a role involves teaching, supervision or sole responsibility for children.

Who needs an enhanced DBS certificate?

Any person undertaking a role that involves frequent or unsupervised work with children or vulnerable adults is legally required to have an enhanced DBS certificate.

This includes:

• Classroom teachers

• Online tutors and in-person private tutors

• Teaching assistants

• Childminders

• Social workers

• Foster carers

• Medical professionals

  

Do self-employed tutors also need to apply for background checks?

While it is not a legal requirement, if you provide private one-to-one tuition for children or vulnerable adults, you are expected to have an enhanced DBS check even if you are self employed.

Tutoring platforms and agencies almost always require appropriate checks to reassure parents and demonstrate good safeguarding practice.

Many parents actively look for freelance tutors who can provide:

• A valid DBS certificate

• An existing certificate registered on the DBS Update Service

• Evidence of checks from another organisation or previous employer

• Membership of recognised bodies such as the Tutors’ Association or National Education Union

Undergoing a DBS check increases trust, visibility, and professionalism - and helps many tutors secure more work as a result.

Can I apply for my own enhanced DBS certificate?

You cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check yourself. Only an employer, agency or other organisation (such as GoStudent) can apply for DBS checks at this level.

You can apply for:

✔️ A basic DBS check

If you need an enhanced DBS check for tutoring, your tuition agency, school, or tutoring platform must submit it on your behalf.

How long does an enhanced DBS check take?

Most enhanced DBS checks take between 2-4 weeks.

However, the process may take longer if:

• Your details were entered incorrectly

• Multiple local police forces must contribute information

• Your identity documents were unclear (e.g., bank statement, recent utility bill, driving licence)

• Additional safeguarding checks are required

Checks in Scotland or Northern Ireland typically take a similar amount of time.

How often do you need a DBS check?

DBS certificates don’t have an official expiry date. Nevertheless,most agencies, employers and tutoring platforms recommend renewing every three years.

If you register with the DBS Update Service, an employer can check your certificate’s status online. This can be particularly helpful for self-employed tutors who need to prove their safeguarding status to multiple organisations.

How much does an enhanced DBS check cost?

For GoStudent tutors, the price of obtaining an enhanced DBS is:

• £47.40 (paid in full by GoStudent)

Other employers may charge tutors directly. Some local authorities subsidise the cost for certain education roles.

Why are DBS checks important for tutors?

Strong safeguarding practices aren't a formality - they're essential. With more young people receiving private tutoring than ever before, parents expect tutors to meet the same protection standards as teachers.

DBS checks:

• Identify individuals with relevant offences

• Help protect children and vulnerable groups

• Support schools, tutoring companies and organisations in making safe hiring decisions

• Build trust with parents and students

• Provide accountability through a recognised professional body

Effective DBS checks allow tutors to work confidently and responsibly - and help parents feel secure in choosing the right support for their children.

How to get an enhanced DBS certificate with GoStudent

GoStudent makes the process of obtaining an enhanced DBS check straightforward for tutors:

Step 1: complete your DBS application form

GoStudent requests the form on your behalf. You simply need to fill in your details.

Step 2: provide supporting documents

You’ll need to submit proof of identity such as:

• Passport or driving licence

• Bank statement

• Recent utility bill

• Proof of address

GoStudent sends your application materials to DBS for assessment.

Step 3: receive and share your certificate

Once your check has been successfully completed, you will receive a physical DBS certificate. Simply share this document with GoStudent to complete your onboarding and start teaching!

Become a GoStudent tutor today

Whether you’re new to tutoring or are already an experienced private teacher, having the correct criminal record checks is essential in order to work safely with children and vulnerable individuals.

By joining GoStudent, you gain:

• Flexible online teaching

• Students matched directly to you

• Support from a recognised education organisation

• A platform trusted by parents across the UK

If you’re ready to inspire students and build a rewarding role in education, start your application to become a GoStudent tutor today - we'll help you apply for an enhanced DBS check and guide you through every step!