If you're a part of the education profession in the UK, you've probably heard the term ‘DBS check’ countless times. Whether you're applying for your first teaching job or moving between schools, ensuring you have the correct level of DBS clearance is a non-negotiable part of the process!

But despite how common they are, many people still have questions like “What is a DBS check?”, “How long does a DBS check take?” and “How much is a DBS check?”.

This guide is designed to answer those questions and more – specifically tailored for those working in or entering the teaching profession! 

At Elevate Supply, our aim is to help both learning institutions and supply teachers to enhance their experiences in education and offer support for them with our services. 

We are fully committed to providing teachers with important advisory blogs that can help you flourish in the educational field, whilst simultaneously making life easier for you through our amazing platform. 

For example, Elevate Supply’s guide on how to obtain qualified teacher status may be useful to read in conjunction with this blog all about the process of DBS checks. 

That’s because many individuals who are new to teaching may need an introduction to key teaching frameworks and qualifications. So, feel free to take a look! 

As well as this, as an educator, you have the power to set and control your availability and day rate for short or long-term planning. We provide you with information and support via enhanced profiles, guides 
and resources. 

As a school, we will only offer you fully compliant supply teachers with appropriate availability in your area. We handle the time-consuming admin of compliance, timesheets and payments for you. 

What is a DBS check?

If you’ve arrived at this section with the burning question, “What exactly is a DBS check?”, look no further! 

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, a UK government body responsible for processing criminal record checks. 

A DBS check allows employers, like schools, academies and educational trusts, to review a candidate’s criminal history, ensuring that individuals working with children or vulnerable groups are safe and suitable for the role.

There are four main levels of DBS checks:

1. Basic DBS Check – Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.

2. Standard DBS Check – Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.

3. Enhanced DBS Check – The most detailed, including all the above plus any relevant information held by local police. Often required for teaching roles.

4. Enhanced with barred list – Shows the same as an enhanced check, plus whether you're on the list of people barred from doing the role.

So, when someone asks “What is a DBS check?” or “What is a DBS check for teachers?” , you’ll now know – the answer is that it’s a mandatory background check, typically at the enhanced level, to ensure safeguarding standards are upheld in schools.

Why do I need a DBS check?

Whether you’re a personal tutor or a full-time teacher, as an educator, you are in an important position of trust and authority, often spending long hours with children and young people. 

Because of this, the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted require all teachers to have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check before beginning work in any educational setting. 

Not having the correct DBS certificate can delay your start date or even lead to the withdrawal of a job offer. 

That’s why it’s essential to know what kind of DBS check is required and ensure yours is valid and recent!

How long does a DBS check take to process?

Here at Elevate Supply, we understand you may be eager to begin your teaching journey. However, it’s essential that all of the checks are completed properly, which means this answer depends on a variety of factors and variables. 

Take a look below!

• Level of check (Basic, Standard, Enhanced)

• Accuracy of your application

• Your address history

• The responsiveness of local police forces

Here’s a rough guide to current average processing times:

On average, it takes 7 to 14 working days, but delays are common, especially if your application is complex! 

Top tip: It’s wise to apply well in advance of your start date. Some DBS checks can take up to 60 days, especially during peak hiring seasons (like August and September).

How much is a DBS check?

As of 2025, the cost of a DBS check in the UK is:

• Update Service: £16 a year 

• Basic DBS: £21.50

• Standard DBS: £21.50

• Enhanced DBS: £49.50

• Enhanced with Barred Lists: £49.50

In many cases, your school or employer may cover the cost, especially for enhanced checks. 

How Elevate Supply can help with DBS checks for educators…

Navigating the DBS check process can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you're a supply teacher or applying for a teaching role in a new school. This is where Elevate Supply can make things much easier for you.

• We stay up-to-date with the latest safeguarding laws and regulations, ensuring that all the checks are in compliance with government standards. With Elevate Supply, you can be sure that your DBS check is handled professionally and in accordance with the law.

• We can also provide clear guidance on the documents you’ll need, and our blogs will walk you through any questions or issues you may have regarding your DBS check.

• If you’re working as a supply teacher or are self-employed, Elevate Supply can also assist with DBS checks, ensuring that you don’t have to handle all the paperwork alone.

• We also have tons of FAQS included on this page, so you can refer to this guide if you have any quick questions or concerns! 

So, if you have any questions about anything discussed in this blog, you can simply send us an email at contact@elevatesupply.co.uk or call us on 0114 7008490. We are here to help you, whatever your query may be! 

Did you know, with Elevate Supply, you can get access to a FREE Twinkl Ultimate Membership when you work with us? 

This means you’ll get access to top-quality resources to make life in the classroom easier. Take a look at this Twinkl resource that encourages supply teachers to be as prepared as possible for their DBS check.

How do I apply for a DBS check?

So, now we’ve gone through the ins and outs of what a DBS check is and how we can help, let’s take a look at our four-step process on how to actually apply for a DBS check. Hint – it’s pretty simple, if we say so ourselves! 

1. Employer-initiated application 

Most teachers don’t apply for DBS checks directly. Instead, your school, agency, or teacher training provider will initiate the process through a registered body or umbrella company.

2. Provide identification documents

You’ll need to provide documents that verify your identity, right to work in the UK and current address. Common combinations include:

• Passport or driving licence

• Utility bill or bank statement (from the last three months)

• Birth certificate (if applicable)

• P60 with national insurance number included alongside a birth certificate 

• e-Visa

• PASS card

• Council tax statement from within this tax year

Top tip - When you apply through us, it would be really handy to make sure to include your full name and any previous names alongside your address history. 

Remembering to do this will speed up our internal process and help things move along in a speedy fashion!

3. Complete the DBS application form 

You’ll be asked to fill out details including your address history for the past five years. Ensure every detail is accurate to avoid delays.

4. Wait for processing

Once submitted, your application will be checked by the DBS and local police forces. You can track its progress online via the DBS tracking service using your application reference number.

Will I need to renew my DBS check?

There is no legal time limit after which a DBS check must be renewed. 

However, many schools and academies require a new DBS check every 1–3 years as part of their safeguarding policy.

It’s also important to note that DBS certificates are not transferable unless you are signed up to the DBS Update Service.

What is this, you ask?

For £16 per year, you can subscribe to the DBS Update Service. This allows your certificate to be kept up-to-date and lets employers check your status online without you needing to reapply.

This is especially useful for:

• Supply teachers

• Freelance educators or private tutors

• Those moving between schools frequently

What is the sensitive applications route?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) offers a confidential checking service for transgender applicants. 

This is known as the sensitive applications route, and is available for all levels of DBS check - basic, standard and enhanced.

The sensitive applications route gives transgender applicants the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate, that could reveal their previous gender identity.

If you are asked to complete a DBS check and have a previous identity that you do not wish to be disclosed to your employer and/or on your DBS certificate, you should call or email the dedicated sensitive applications team before submitting your application. 

FAQS: 

Do I pay for my DBS check if I apply directly through you? 

Yes, you have to pay for your own DBS check if you apply through us. However, if you have any questions about this process, our team will always be around to help you with any queries. 

Do I need a DBS on the Update Service to work with you?

Yes, it’s important for you to have a DBS on the Update Service to work with us. This allows your DBS check to remain valid and up-to-date, enabling you to easily move between schools or supply roles without needing a new DBS check each time. 

How do I register a DBS to the online update service?

It’s incredibly easy to register your DBS to the Update Service. Simply go to this page on the GOV.UK website.

If you are in the process of getting a standard or enhanced DBS check, you will need your application reference number. 

If you already have a standard or enhanced DBS certificate, you will need your certificate number. You must register for the Update Service within 30 days of the certificate being issued.

Once registered, you can sign into the Update Service and view your details, add documents, see if anything has changed on the certificate and much more! 

Can I start work without a DBS check?

No, in most cases it’s essential for you to have an enhanced DBS certificate in hand before starting. Some schools may allow you to begin work under supervision, but only if the check has been initiated and references have been thoroughly checked.

Does a DBS check show spent convictions?

Only standard and enhanced checks reveal spent convictions. A basic DBS check shows only unspent convictions.

Is a DBS check from one school valid for another?

Only if you are registered with the DBS Update Service. Otherwise, a new employer (even within the same academy trust) may require a new DBS check.

Can I apply for my own enhanced DBS check?

No. Enhanced and standard checks can only be requested by an employer or registered organisation. If you’re self-employed or a private tutor, you’ll need to go through an umbrella body.

What happens if my DBS check has a criminal record on it?

If your DBS certificate shows past convictions or cautions, your employer will assess the relevance and severity. Not all criminal records will disqualify you from teaching, but schools have a duty to consider the safety of their pupils.

Do you have any examples of cautions or convictions that would prevent me from working with you?

The GOV.UK website has a full list of offences that will never be filtered from a DBS certificate as they relate to Safeguarding. If you have any of these convictions/cautions, we would not be able to proceed with your application.. Some examples are:

• Acting as a child minder whilst disqualified from registration.

• Unlawfully removing a child from the care of a fit person. 

• Making false or misleading statements in an application for registration. 

Do you check the Children’s Barred List or the Adults Barred List?

We are legally required to check the Children's Barred List. 

We do not check the Adults Barred List as we do not currently have any legal basis to do this as we aren't working with adults. 

However, this might be different in the future depending on if our client base expands so that our staff can also work with adults, in Higher Education, for example!  But don’t worry, we will let you know if this gets updated. 

And there we have it! An easy-to-follow manual on the DBS process.

With our handy blogs by your side, navigating the DBS process becomes a breeze. 

Whether you're a supply teacher or looking for a permanent role, our team can support you every step of the way, ensuring you’re compliant and ready to start your career with peace of mind.

By staying informed and organised, you can make your DBS check one less thing to worry about, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: teaching and inspiring the next generation.

If you're a new teacher preparing for your first job, or a school leader helping staff through the process, feel free to share this post with a friend or colleague. 

Let’s help make safeguarding smoother for everyone in education!