Your Own Enhanced DBS Check as a Private Tutor or Teacher
Teaching children independently, with no school or agency behind you? You can now apply for an Enhanced DBS check, Children’s Barred List included, in your own name. Apply online with us and use the one certificate with every family you teach.
- No school or tutoring agency required
- Your eligibility is confirmed before anything goes to the DBS
- Prove who you are digitally with your passport and phone
- Join the Update Service and share one certificate with every family
Which tutoring roles can apply?
Since 21 January 2026, anyone who is self-employed – or directly employed by the individual they work for – has been able to get an Enhanced DBS check in their own name through a registered umbrella body like us. These roles normally qualify:
Private & online tutors
One-to-one or small-group tutoring for children, whether face to face or over video.
Home-education & SEN tutors
Teaching children educated at home, or supporting those with special educational needs.
Music & singing teachers
Instrument, voice or music theory lessons for anyone under 18.
Dance, drama & language teachers
Private lessons or group classes for children and young people.
Will my check include the Children’s Barred List?
That comes down to how often you teach children. Don’t worry about getting it wrong – we go through it with you before your application reaches the DBS.
Enhanced check with Children’s Barred List
This is the one for you if your teaching with children is regular – meaning any of the following:
- Weekly or more often
- On 4 or more days within any 30-day period
- Overnight, between 2am and 6am
Enhanced check without the barred list
For teaching children only once in a while – for example, a handful of revision sessions each year:
- An Enhanced check is still open to you
- It simply won’t include the barred list
- The price is the same whichever level you need
Which check would these tutors need?
A few everyday situations and the check each one would need.
Online maths tutor
Gives video-call lessons to three pupils every week after school.
Piano teacher
Teaches children in her own home each Saturday.
Revision course tutor
Holds a two-day revision course once a year.
Only teach adults?
Tutoring or teaching adults doesn’t make you eligible for an Enhanced check – the exception is adults who need support because of their age, an illness or a disability.
If your learners are all adults without those needs, apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
What to have ready
Gather these before you start and the form should only take a few minutes:
- A biometric passport, for the digital identity check
- A smartphone that can make contactless payments
- The organisation name to enter: SELF-EMPLOYED, or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE when a family is your direct employer
- Your eligibility questions answered honestly – we double-check the level for you
Applying in four simple steps
Everything happens online, and we keep an eye on your application at each stage.
Fill in the online form
Type SELF-EMPLOYED in the organisation name box – or PERSONAL EMPLOYEE if a family pays you directly.
Confirm your ID online
Have your biometric passport to hand, plus a phone able to make contactless payments.
We review and submit
We look over your answers and agree the correct level of check before passing it to the DBS.
Your certificate arrives
The DBS sends the certificate to you by post. Signing up to the Update Service keeps it current.
Hiring a tutor for your child?
Parents can’t apply for a DBS check on a tutor’s behalf – tutors and teachers need to apply for their own. When you meet a new tutor:
- Ask to see their original certificate
- Make sure it’s an Enhanced check that includes the Children’s Barred List
- If they’ve joined the DBS Update Service, confirm online – free of charge – that it’s still current
Tutor DBS questions answered
Can I apply if all my tutoring is online?
Yes. Lessons over video count just like tutoring in person, provided you teach children regularly.
I teach both adults and children – which check should I choose?
Go for the Enhanced check with the Children’s Barred List. It’s your work with children that makes you eligible.
A tutoring agency finds my families. Can it arrange my check?
Yes. If you work through an agency, it can still apply for you, following its own policies.
Will every new family need a fresh DBS check?
Not necessarily. Once you’ve joined the DBS Update Service, families can – with your consent – confirm online that your certificate remains current.
Is it more expensive to apply as self-employed?
No – you pay exactly what you would for an Enhanced check organised by an employer.
What happens if I turn out not to be eligible?
We’ll let you know before anything is sent off, and you can apply for a Basic DBS check instead.
What do I put as the organisation name?
Enter SELF-EMPLOYED. If a family employs you directly, enter PERSONAL EMPLOYEE instead.
Still unsure? Read our guide to choosing a DBS check or email support@dbs-online.org.uk.
Other self-employed roles we check
Working independently in a different field? We help lots of self-employed people get their own check. See every role on our self-employed hub.
Sports coaches & instructors
Freelance coaches, swimming teachers and activity instructors.
Read more →Holiday club & activity leaders
Holiday clubs, forest schools and after-school activities.
Read more →Carers & personal assistants
Self-employed carers and PAs supporting people at home.
Read more →Nannies & childminders
Self-employed nannies, childminders and babysitters working for families.
Read more →Ready to apply for your tutor DBS check?
It only takes a few minutes online, and we confirm your eligibility before submitting – so you only ever pay for the check you actually need.