DBS checks for private tutors: What tutors need to know

As private tutoring continues to grow across the UK both online and in-person, more tutors than ever are working on an independent basis with students of various ages and ability levels.

Whether you support learners in maths, science, languages, or specialist subjects, it’s important to understand how safeguarding practices apply to your work, and how DBS checks for private tutors fit into the wider expectations of the education sector.

This guide explains everything that private tutors - including those those working with tutoring agencies and platforms - need to know about DBS checks, such as which checks are available, how to obtain them, their costs, and why they matter for your professional reputation.

Key takeaways

• The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provides background checks to help UK employers make secure hiring decisions.

• Applicants must provide identifying documents such as a passport, driving license, and proof of address.

• There are three different levels of check available: basic, standard, and enhanced. More stringent checks require an organisation to submit an application on behalf of an individual.

• Updates to the application process in 2025 now allow tutors to submit online applications more easily

• While self-employed private tutors are not legally required to undergo a DBS check, doing so can be beneficial for their professional trajectories.

What is a DBS check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, a UK government body that helps employers to make safer hiring decisions by carrying out criminal record checks. A DBS check provides information regarding:

• Unspent convictions

• Relevant local police force information

• Whether you appear on the children’s barred list or adults' barred list

DBS checks help employers, agencies, schools, and other organisations make suitable recruitment decisions. These checks are particularly important for people who work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults, such as teachers, social workers, sports trainers, and healthcare professionals.

Do I need a DBS check as a private tutor, and which type should I get?

Although self-employed tutors are not always legally required to hold a DBS check, many choose to obtain one as it strengthens their professional profile and aligns them with safeguarding expectations across the education sector.

You can view the different types of check available in the table below:

The level of check required is determined by your personal employment circumstances. A basic check may be sufficient for tutors working on a freelance basis, whereas a tutoring agency may request that their private teachers obtain an enhanced DBS check.

DBS checks in 2025 - How has the process changed?

Following changes to the application process, obtaining a DBS check is now easier for many private teachers.

The table below shows you the differences between the former DBS check application procedures and the updated protocol established in April 2025:

The new system also makes it possible for private tutors who have completed their teacher training outside of the UK to apply for DBS checks via the same route as national applicants.

Why DBS checks matter for private tutors

Awareness of safeguarding protocols has grown among parents, as well as the UK education sector as a whole. As a tutor, holding a DBS check can help you:

• Demonstrate professionalism

• Increase credibility when competing with other tutors

• Meet expectations from agencies, schools, and parents

• Show commitment to child protection

• Reassure and build trust with parents

• Open doors to additional professional opportunities, especially in structured or regulated environments

DBS checks are now widely recognised as a standard part of tutoring, particularly for those working with children or vulnerable groups.

Types of DBS checks for private tutors

Different DBS levels apply depending on the role and whether you work independently or through an organisation.

Basic DBS check

A basic DBS check shows unspent convictions only.

This check is suitable for:
✔ Self-employed tutors
✔ Tutors teaching adults
✔ Tutors who cannot access an enhanced check

You can request this yourself through the government website or via a subject access request.

Standard DBS check

A standard DBS check shows:

• Unspent convictions

• Spent convictions

• Cautions

Only employers or agencies can apply for this level of check. Self-employed tutors cannot apply directly.

Enhanced DBS check

An enhanced DBS check is the highest level of check available in most education-related settings.

An enhanced DBS check includes:

• Everything in a standard check

• Any relevant information held by your local police

Some enhanced checks also include a children’s barred list check where permitted by law.

Enhanced DBS checks are commonly required for:

• Classroom teachers

• Tutors employed by schools

• Tutors working in regulated activity

An enhanced DBS check can significantly boost your employability, and offer you greater flexibility with regard to your choice of work environment.

Are private tutors legally required to have a DBS check?

Self-employed private tutors are not legally required to have a DBS check.

However, in practice:

• Many private tutoring agencies require an enhanced DBS check

• Parents prefer tutors with verified checks

• Professional bodies may request one for membership

• DBS checks help tutors stay competitive

As such, while it is not a strict legal requirement, an awareness of, and compliance with, the necessary checks is important for tutors who may wish to move from freelance teaching to agency-based work.

How enhanced DBS checks for private tutors are conducted

To apply for an enhanced DBS check, tutors must provide their hiring organisation with identifying documents, such as:

• Passport

• Driving licence

• Recent utility bill

• Bank statement

These documents help to verify your identity before a tutoring agency, umbrella body, or other organisation proceeds with the application.

The DBS Update Service

The DBS Update Service helps keep your DBS certificate current after it has been issued.

The benefits of updating your certificate include:

• Avoiding repeat applications

• Allowing agencies or employers to check your status online

• Maintaining an existing certificate across multiple tutoring roles

• Helping you stay compliant with safeguarding expectations

Joining the update service is a strong signal of professionalism and is particularly useful for tutors who work with multiple organisations.

DBS checks for private tutors on FindTutors

FindTutors supports tutors who want to present themselves professionally and transparently. We offer a range of features to assist you in developing a high-quality reputation as a tutor:

✔ Verified Tutor profiles

Tutors who verify their identity, experience, and references receive a green tick badge on their profile. This badge is visible to all prospective students.

✔ DBS certificate upload

Upload your DBS certificate for manual verification to show students and parents that you prioritise safety.

✔ Free first lesson option

Offering a first lesson free of charge helps tutors build trust with new students, and their parents and guardians.

✔ Reviews and ratings

Positive reviews strengthen your profile and serve as a complement your DBS check.

Conclusion - Should private tutors get a DBS check?

In an increasingly competitive industry - with many tutors offering both online and in-person tuition - having a DBS check can be a key differentiator that sets you apart from other candidates.

A DBS check, whether basic, standard, or enhanced, can help tutors:

• Build credibility

• Access more work opportunities

• Maintain safeguarding best practice

• Reassure students and families

• Operate more confidently in an increasingly regulated education landscape

By combining a DBS check with verified credentials and strong reviews, tutors can strengthen their reputation and stand out in today's busy UK tutoring market - create safety and teach with trust!