How to Apply for Enhanced Security Clearance to Work in Scottish Schools

Teachers in Scotland must complete a criminal background check.

Every candidate applying for teaching work in the Scottish school system is required to pass what's known as an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check. This is the highest level of criminal background check administered in Scotland, and it's aimed at protecting students in Scottish schools. It's the same test that is administered for other people in highly responsible positions such as doctors, social workers and judges. While it requires fairly detailed paperwork, the process itself is straightforward.

Instructions

1. Apply to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) for a Disclosure Scotland form.

2. Gather the information you will need to complete the application. It requires you to list all of your addresses for the last five years, and enclose photocopies of two forms of identification that include your date of birth. These could be a passport, birth certificate or driving license.

3. Complete the application form. If you have problems you can phone Disclosure Scotland at 011 +0870 609 6066 or email [e-mail].

4. Wait to receive your disclosure certificate. This usually will be processed within 14 days.

5. Apply for overseas police checks. This step is necessary if you were born overseas or if you have lived outside of Scotland for more than eight weeks within the last ten years. If this is the case, you need to ask police authorities in the country where you lived to supply evidence that you have no criminal record there.

References

• Disclosure Scotland: Help With Completing Your Application
• GTCS: Disclosure Scotland
• Teach in Scotland: Security Checks