What happens if my DBS check is not clean?

Modified on Tue, 28 Jul at 10:49 AM

All tutors must disclose any convictions or cautions to Tutorful, including any received at any time after registering a tutor account, for as long as you remain registered. If your certificate discloses information, we assess it before deciding on your application.

How we assess a disclosure

We consider:

  • Whether the caution or conviction is relevant to working as a private tutor.
  • The seriousness of the offence or matter.
  • How long ago it occurred.
  • Whether there’s a repeating pattern of offending or relevant behaviour.

Convictions that always result in rejection

  • Any kind of violence, including threatening behaviour, intent to harm, or offences resulting in actual bodily harm.
  • Offences listed in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
  • Unlawful supply of controlled substances or drugs, where the conviction concerns dealing, trafficking, or possession with intent to supply.
  • Offences involving firearms, knives, and weapons.
  • Offences involving arson.
  • Offences listed in the Terrorism Act 2006.
  • Offences involving deception or fraud.
  • Offences involving harm of a minor in any way.

One-off offences

For a one-off caution or conviction, we may accept a tutor if it was more than a set number of years ago:

  • 10 years: drugs, theft
  • 5 years: driving offences

What to do next

If your DBS check isn’t completely clean, we reserve the right to reject your application. For questions about these guidelines, email support@tutorful.co.uk.


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