DBS instructions

Applying for a DBS check is a two stage process.

Stage One – you fill in the information on the online form (instructions provided at the link below).

Stage Two – we verify that you are the person you claim to be on the form using the documents you show me.

They then issue you with a certificate. If you would like to avoid the need to apply for additional DBS checks in the future, you can sign up to the DBS Update Service for which there is a small annual charge. However, if you are going to do this, you need to sign up within a limited number of days of receiving the certificate. The instructions for signing up are provided with your new DBS certificate.

DBS application instructions and information

Get Writing

If you’d like to submit a piece of your writing for possible inclusion in the magazine, please see the Get Involved page to see more details. This magazine is published online three times a year: summer (June/July), winter (October-December) and spring (February-April) terms.

Our Spark Young Writers groups for September 2024-June 2025 are now available to book.

For any existing Sparks members wishing to re-enrol, please check your email.

Submissions for the 30th anniversary edition of the Spark Young Writers Magazine are now CLOSED. Our next submission window opens late September 2025.

Submissions to our 2025 printed Anthology are now CLOSED.

Full details of all previous Spark Anthologies can be found here.

 Check out all our ideas for writing prompts at our Get Writing tab. 

A wide selection of images, videos and Funsheets for young writers to complete.