Six killers among thousands of convicted criminals who have tried to get jobs in schools

SIX killers are among thousands of convicted criminals who have tried to get jobs in schools.

Twenty-six paedophiles and four rapists are also among those who applied to be heads, teachers or classroom assistants.

Thousands of convicted criminals – including six killers – have tried to get jobs in schools

Twenty-six paedophiles and four rapists are also among those who applied

Checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service weeded them all out.

Half a dozen convicted of manslaughter put themselves forward for education roles, figures under Freedom of Information rules show.

Another 12 had been convicted of child cruelty.

Between January 2023 and this August, 7,097 applicants had convictions, with drink-driving the most common.

Vicky Young, head of child sexual abuse prevention charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now helpline, described the stats as “disturbing”.

She said: “Unfortunately, some people will always try to work or volunteer in places where they can get access to children.

“That’s why it’s so important to have a strong system that spots people who might be a risk to children and stops them from getting jobs where they might be able to harm.

“These stats can be disturbing, but show that DBS checks are doing what they’re meant to do.

“Not everyone who poses a risk will be picked up by a DBS check, because some won’t have a previous conviction.

“Children are most often abused by someone they know, usually in secret, and it might not be found out about until many years later.

“Our message would be that if you have any concerns, it’s always better to trust your gut and talk to someone.”