Skip to main content

I'm applying to be a tutor. What is a valid DBS check, and what do I need to do?

I'm a Tutor article! All of our tutors need an Enhanced DBS check to work with us.

Updated this week

All of our tutors need a valid, enhanced DBS check to work with us - this helps us ensure the safety of all of our pupils. An enhanced DBS check will include details of all convictions on record. You might have one already, but you can also get one with us.

What is a valid DBS? 👍

What is invalid? 🚫

Issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service

Issued by any other provider i.e. PVG

Says 'Enhanced Certificate' at the top

Says 'Basic Certificate' at the top

You are registered with the DBS update service, and the date of issue is more/less than 35 months ago. *

You're not registered with the update service, and the date of issue is more than 35 months ago. *

You're not registered with the DBS update service, but the issue date is less than 35 months ago. *

Carried out in the UK

Carried out outside of the UK

Under DBS Children's Barred List information, it says NONE RECORDED.

Under DBS Children's Barred List information, it says NOT REQUESTED

Clear copy/scan of the whole physical DBS certificate

Screenshot of a confirmation email or notification / blurry image which doesn't show the whole page

*If you are a new tutor joining us for the first time, your DBS date of issue will have to be less than 12 weeks.

Here's an example of what your Certificate should look like:

Does your enhanced DBS check meet the requirements? Then upload a clear image of the entire page to your profile.

If you don’t have a DBS check that meets our requirements, you can apply for one with us.

DBS Check Cost: £55

  • £49.50 for the Enhanced DBS check

  • £5.50 admin fee charged by Verifile (our DBS provider)

To continue with your DBS application, please make the payment using the secure link below. You must use your Tutor ID below as the payment reference; without it, it’s very hard for us to locate your payment.

  • Reference (Tutor ID)

  • ​Payment link

🆔 How to find your Tutor ID:

You can find your Tutor ID by logging into your Tutor Dashboard. On the Home page, look at your profile card, next to your name, there’s a small tooltip labelled “Your Tutor ID.” Hover over it to see your ID.

Once you’ve made the payment, let us know and we’ll send you the link to complete your ID check and start your DBS application.


Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out the suggested articles.

Did this answer your question?