For private tutors and self-employed teachers
Enhanced DBS Checks for Private Tutors and Teachers
If you tutor or teach children on a self-employed basis, you can now get your own Enhanced DBS check with the Children’s Barred List, without an agency or school. Apply online with us, then show your certificate to every family you work with.
Tutor and teacher Enhanced check
With Children's Barred List
The barred list is included when you teach children regularly.
- No agency or school needed
- We check your eligibility before we submit
- Digital ID check with your phone and passport
- One certificate to show every family, with the Update Service
Who this page is for
Since 21 January 2026, people who are self-employed, or employed directly by the person they work for, can apply for their own Enhanced DBS check through a registered umbrella body. These roles usually qualify:
Private and online tutors
Tutoring children one-to-one or in small groups, in person or online.
Home-school and SEN tutors
Teaching home-educated children or supporting children with special educational needs.
Music and singing teachers
Giving instrument, singing or theory lessons to under-18s.
Dance, drama and language teachers
Running classes or private lessons for children.
Which check do I need?
It depends on how often you teach children. You don’t have to work it out alone: we check this with you before anything is sent to the DBS.
Most tutors and teachers
Enhanced with Children's Barred List
If you teach children regularly, meaning any one of these:
- Once a week or more
- On 4 or more days in any 30 days
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Occasional work
Enhanced check (no barred list)
If you only teach children now and then, such as a few revision sessions a year:
- You can still get an Enhanced check
- It just won't include the barred list
- Same price either way
Examples
An online maths tutor
Tutors three students a week by video call after school.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A piano teacher
Teaches children in her own home every Saturday.
Enhanced + Children's Barred List
A revision tutor
Runs a two-day revision course once a year.
Enhanced (no barred list)
Teaching adults only?
Tutoring or teaching adults isn’t eligible for an Enhanced check, unless they need help because of their age, illness or disability. You can apply for a Basic check instead.
How to apply
STEP 1
Complete the online form
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family employs you directly, as the organisation name.
STEP 2
Verify your identity digitally
You’ll need a biometric passport and a phone that can make contactless payments.
STEP 3
We check and submit
We review your application and confirm the right level of check before sending it to the DBS.
STEP 4
Receive your certificate
The DBS posts your certificate to you. Join the Update Service to keep it current.
Parents: hiring a tutor or teacher?
You can’t apply for a DBS check for them. They must apply for their own. Ask to see their original certificate, check it’s an Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List, and if they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, check online for free that it’s still up to date.
Common questions
Yes. Online tutoring counts in the same way as face-to-face tutoring, as long as you teach children regularly.
Apply for the Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List. Your work with children is what makes you eligible.
Yes. If you work through an agency, they can still apply on your behalf, in line with their own policies.
Not necessarily. If you join the DBS Update Service, each family can check online, with your permission, that your certificate is still up to date.
No. It’s the same price as an Enhanced check arranged by an employer.
We’ll tell you before anything is submitted. You can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
Ready to get your tutor DBS check?
Apply online in minutes. We’ll check your eligibility before submitting, so you only pay for the right check.