Private Tutor DBS Checks – How To Apply

If you are a self-employed tutor or private tutor, you can apply directly for your own DBS check through dbs-check.co.uk – without going through an employer or agency.

We provide both Basic and Enhanced DBS checks for tutors, depending on the type of students you teach.

The level you need depends on who you work with:

• If you teach children or vulnerable adults, you will usually require an Enhanced DBS check.
• If you teach adults only and are not engaged in regulated activity, a Basic DBS check is normally sufficient.

Below, we explain how it works and which level is right for you.

DBS Check for Self-Employed Tutor: Which Level Do You Need?

Enhanced DBS Check for Tutors Working with Children

If you are:

• Teaching children under 18
• Providing one-to-one tuition
• Working regularly and unsupervised
• Teaching vulnerable adults

You will usually require an Enhanced DBS check.

An Enhanced DBS check shows:

• Spent and unspent convictions
• Cautions, reprimands and warnings
• Relevant information held by local police
• Children’s and/or Adults’ Barred List status (if applicable)

If you will be teaching children, or have unsupervised contact with them, more than 3 days in a 30-day period, you will also need the Children’s Barred List check. At dbs-check.co.uk, you can request this as part of your Enhanced DBS check at no extra cost.

Basic DBS Check for Private Tutors (Non-Regulated Roles)

If you are:

• Teaching adults only
• Delivering online courses to general audiences
• Providing academic support that does not involve regulated activity
• Working in a role where an Enhanced check is not legally required

A Basic DBS check is the highest level you can request.

A Basic DBS check shows only unspent convictions.

Many private tutors choose to obtain a Basic DBS certificate as a way of demonstrating transparency and professionalism.

Can a Self-Employed Tutor Apply for a DBS Check Themselves?

Self-employed tutors can apply for a DBS check for themselves. The can apply for:

• A Basic DBS check
• An Enhanced DBS check (if eligible)

You do not need to go through an employer if you are working independently.

dbs-check.co.uk provides an official, authorised route for individuals and self-employed professionals to apply directly.

Why Parents and Agencies Expect Tutors to Have an Enhanced DBS

Tutors often work:

• In private homes
• One-to-one with children
• Without supervision
• With vulnerable individuals

An Enhanced DBS check provides:

• Safeguarding reassurance
• Professional credibility
• Compliance with agency requirements
• Greater trust from parents

Many tutoring agencies will not accept tutors without an Enhanced DBS certificate.

How Long Does a DBS Check Take for a Tutor?

For self-employed tutors applying through DBS-Check.co.uk:

• Basic and Enhanced DBS applications that are successfully completed, including ID verification, are processed the same day (Mond-Fri, before 4pm).
• Most Basic DBS checks are completed within 24 hours.
• Enhanced DBS checks are usually completed within 24 hours.

We also provide a money-back guarantee on our stated turnaround times.

If we do not meet our guaranteed timeframe, we refund our administration fee.

Our Money-Back Guarantee