Enhanced DBS check for teacher training

An Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a compulsory requirement of any offer to study on courses where trainees may be placed in a position of trust working with children and/or vulnerable adults.

Application process for the Enhanced DBS check 

Stage 1: Complete the online application form using the

KnowYourPeople platform and pay for the check
The KnowYourPeople platform is run by First Advantage and the cost of the check is currently £56.84.

An account activation email for the KnowYourPeople platform will usually be sent to candidates, that have accepted an offer, from April onwards, as the DBS check should not be carried out more than 6 months before your course starts. The account activation email will come from noreply@knowyourpeople.co.uk and it may be redirected to your junk or spam folder. 


Important note: Please follow the instructions carefully and complete the application form fully and accurately. Any errors, missing information, or inconsistencies may result in delays to, or the withdrawal of, your Enhanced DBS check.

If you are a non-UK national and require a visa to enter the UK, please read our guidance for non-UK national offer holders. 


Stage 2: Application and ID documents to be verified by the University


As part of the application process, you need to present a selection of original ID documents to the University for verification:
  • If you have already brought your original ID documents to the University, we will use the ID documents you have already provided to verify your application. If we need any further ID documents from you, we will let you know. 
  • If you have not yet brought your original ID documents to the University, we will contact you with further details on how to do this. 

We verify a high number of DBS applications, so there will be a delay between submitting your application and the verification stage. We carry out the verification process for each DBS application as quickly as possible, and we appreciate your patience during this time. 

Once the verification stage is complete, your application will be processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Stage 3: Check in progress with the Disclosure and Barring Service


The check involves a number of stages and the University cannot influence the amount of time it takes once in progress. You can track the progress of your application on the KnowYourPeople platform or by using the DBS tracking service. Your application form reference number can be found on the KnowYourPeople platform.

 

Stage 4: Check complete and certificate sent to you by post

Once the check is complete, the Disclosure and Barring Service will post your Enhanced DBS certificate to the current address listed on your application. Please keep your certificate safeas your placement schools/settings will often ask to see your certificate. 

  

Do I need to show my Enhanced DBS certificate to the University or my placement schools/settings?

Your placement schools/settings will often ask to see your Enhanced DBS certificate, so please keep your certificate safe once you have received it in the post. 

It is not possible to obtain a replacement certificate so, if you lose the certificate, you will have to apply and pay for a new Enhanced DBS check.

The University can usually obtain confirmation of your Enhanced DBS clearance on the KnowYourPeople platform. However, if we are unable to do so, we may ask to see your certificate. 

 

My DBS certificate shows details of a previous conviction or caution. What should I do?

Please contact the Admissions Support Team as soon as possible for advice and we will explain what you need to do next.

I have an existing Enhanced DBS certificate. Will this be acceptable or will I need to apply for a new Enhanced DBS certificate through the University?

If you have an existing Enhanced DBS certificate and it is registered for the DBS Update Service, we may be able to accept your existing Enhanced DBS certificate. Please read our guidance on acceptance of DBS clearance through the Update Service.

 

What is the DBS Update Service and how do I register for it? 


Please read the DBS Update Service information and the DBS Update Service applicant guide.

 

What is the Transgender application route? 

The Disclosure and Barring Service offers a sensitive application route for transgender applicants. This route offers a confidential checking service which gives transgender applicants the option not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate that could reveal their previous gender identity.

 

Do I need to provide a letter of good conduct (overseas criminal record check)? 


If you have lived outside of the UK for six months or more within the five years before your course starts, you must provide a letter of good conduct from each country you have lived in. The letter(s) of good conduct will need to be provided in addition to the Enhanced DBS check and before you can enrol for the course.  

 

Safeguarding Policy

You may like to read the Institute of Education's Safeguarding Policy.

 

Questions?

Please contact the Admissions Support Team if you have any questions about the process.