Do Private Tutors Need a DBS Check in the UK?

by Mark Neale, Co-Founder & CEO

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As a self-employed private tutor working directly with families, you are not legally required to have a DBS check. However, most parents will expect one before hiring you — particularly for one-to-one sessions — and not having one will limit your ability to get work. This guide covers the legal position, how to get an Enhanced DBS check as a self-employed tutor, and what parents actually expect.

The legal position (short answer: not required, but...)

The law: There is no legal requirement for self-employed private tutors to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

This is different from teachers working in schools, who are legally required to undergo Enhanced DBS checks with barred list checks. As a private tutor working independently, you're not subject to the same legal requirement.

However, tutoring agencies that employ or contract tutors ARE legally required (since October 2010) to process DBS checks for any tutors working with children or vulnerable people. So if you work through an agency, you will need one.

The distinction is important: if you work independently and are hired directly by parents, it's not a legal requirement. If you work through an agency, it is.

Source: GOV.UK - DBS checks for self-employed people

Why most tutors get one anyway

Even though it's not legally required for independent tutors, the vast majority choose to get a DBS check. Here's why:

Parents expect it. Many parents will not hire a tutor who doesn't have a DBS check, particularly for younger children or one-to-one sessions. It's become an industry standard expectation, regardless of what the law requires.

It demonstrates professionalism. Having a DBS check signals that you take safeguarding seriously and that you're willing to undergo the same screening as teachers in schools.

It opens up more opportunities. Some tutoring opportunities (working with schools, local authorities, or certain organisations) will only be available to tutors with Enhanced DBS checks.

It protects you. In the unfortunate event of any safeguarding allegations, having a clean DBS check on file provides evidence of your suitability to work with children.

It's become easier to get. As of 21 January 2026, new legislation allows self-employed tutors to apply for Enhanced DBS checks through umbrella bodies for the first time. Previously, this was much more difficult for independent tutors.

The practical reality is that not having a DBS check will significantly limit your ability to attract pupils, particularly if you're tutoring children under 18.

Source: GOV.UK - Self-employed workers can now apply for Enhanced DBS checks

How to get a DBS check as a private tutor

As of 21 January 2026, self-employed tutors can apply for Enhanced DBS checks through a DBS umbrella body.

What is an umbrella body?

An umbrella body is an organisation registered with the DBS to process DBS check applications on behalf of individuals and small organisations. They act as the intermediary between you and the DBS.

How to apply:

Check your eligibility. As a tutor working with children, you're eligible for an Enhanced DBS check with barred list check (child workforce).
Find an umbrella body. Use the GOV.UK find an umbrella body tool and filter for organizations that process checks for self-employed individuals.
Apply through the umbrella body. Each umbrella body has its own application process, but you'll typically need to:
- Prove your identity (passport, driving licence, utility bills, etc.)
- Provide details of your current and previous addresses
- Pay the DBS fee plus the umbrella body's administration fee
Receive your certificate. Once processed, your DBS certificate will be posted to your home address. Processing times vary, but Enhanced checks typically take 5-14 days.
Consider the Update Service. When you apply, you can subscribe to the DBS Update Service (£16 per year), which allows you to keep your certificate current and lets employers check its status online.

Parents cannot apply on your behalf. Even though parents are hiring you, they cannot request a DBS check for you. You must apply yourself through an umbrella body.

Source: GOV.UK - DBS checks for self-employed people and personal employees
Source: GOV.UK - Find an umbrella body

What level of DBS check do tutors need?

There are three levels of DBS check. For tutors, the relevant one is:

Enhanced DBS check with barred list check (child workforce)

This check includes:

All spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings
Any additional information held by local police forces that's considered relevant
A check against the Children's Barred List (the list of individuals barred from working with children)

This is the same level of check that teachers in schools undergo.

You should not accept a Basic DBS check as sufficient if you're tutoring children. Parents expect and deserve the Enhanced level, which provides the most comprehensive safeguarding information.

Source: GOV.UK - DBS checks: guidance for employers

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Processing time:

Enhanced DBS checks typically take 5-14 days to process
Some umbrella bodies report that 62% of Enhanced checks are completed within 24 hours, and 85% within 5 days
You should allow up to 3 weeks to be safe

Cost:

DBS fee: Check the current fee on GOV.UK
Umbrella body administration fee: Varies by umbrella body (typically £10-50)
Total cost: Usually £50-100 for an Enhanced DBS check

The DBS Update Service costs £16 per year and allows you to keep your certificate current.

There is no official expiry date for a DBS certificate, but many parents and agencies expect a recent check (ideally within the last 1-3 years). The Update Service allows you to keep your certificate current without reapplying each time.

Source: GOV.UK - DBS checks: guidance for employers

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a DBS check if I only tutor online? While online tutoring presents different safeguarding dynamics than in-person tutoring, many parents still expect tutors to have a DBS check regardless of format. If you're working one-to-one with children online, having a DBS check demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding and increases parent confidence.

Can I use a DBS check from a previous job? Yes, provided it's an Enhanced DBS check and it's relatively recent (within 1-3 years). You can show the original certificate to parents. If you subscribed to the Update Service when you got the check, employers can verify online that it's still current.

What if I have a criminal record? Having a criminal record doesn't automatically prevent you from tutoring. Minor, old, or spent convictions may not be barriers, particularly if they're unrelated to working with children. Serious offences, particularly those involving children or violence, will appear on your Enhanced check and may make it difficult to tutor children. Be honest with parents about what appears on your check.

How do I show my DBS certificate to parents? Parents should see the original physical certificate (not a photocopy). They cannot keep a copy - DBS regulations prohibit employers from retaining copies of certificates. If you're on the Update Service, you can give parents your certificate number and they can verify it's current online.

What's the difference between a DBS check and a CRB check? CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks were replaced by DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks in 2013. They're essentially the same thing - the organization and name changed, but the purpose remained the same. Old CRB certificates are still valid (until the employer decides they want an updated check).

Do I need a new DBS check for each family I tutor? No. One DBS certificate can be shown to multiple families. This is another benefit of the Update Service - you get one check and can share it with as many potential employers as needed.

A note on making safeguarding simpler

DBS checks are an important part of professional tutoring practice, but they're just one element of safeguarding. Good safeguarding also includes clear communication with parents, appropriate boundaries, and safe working practices.

Some tutors find it helpful to use a platform that handles the administrative side of tutoring (scheduling, payments, lesson records) so they can focus on teaching and maintaining appropriate professional relationships with pupils and families.

Tutonomi is built specifically for private tutors and handles scheduling, automatic payments, and lesson records in one place. It's completely free to use and designed to make the administrative side of tutoring simpler and more professional.

Tutonomi is free to use — sign up and have your first lesson scheduled in minutes. Get Started.

Last updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: This guide reflects current GOV.UK guidance as of February 2026. For specific situations, always check directly with a DBS umbrella body.