Teachers now have to declare any past convictions when applying to register with England’s General Teaching Council.
From August 1, new teachers and those returning to the profession have to complete a suitability form listing any past crimes, no matter how old. Only minor, one-off convictions such as driving without due care and attention or possession of a class C drug will not need to be listed. The council says the aim of the new checks is to filter out people unsuitable to teach before they get into classrooms.
* http:www.gtce.org.ukaboutthegtc faqssuitability (IB)