Mobile Phones

Mobile phone poster 0626Procedure on Mobile Phones, Smart Watches and earphones at School

Years 7 to11: Mobile Phones

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students’ learning, wellbeing and safety, and following updated guidance from the Department for Education (Mobile phones in schools – GOV.UK), we will be moving to a smartphone-free site from September 2026.

This means that students will not be permitted to use smartphones or smart devices, including smart watches, at any point during the school day. The guidance is clear that schools should be smartphone-free by default, with any exceptions only in specific and agreed circumstances.

At our school, this means that smartphones must not be seen at any time on our school site, including before tutor time and at the end of the day. For most of our students, this will be a continuation of the positive routines already in place.

Our approach from September:

  • Students may bring a smartphone to school.
  • Smartphones must be switched off and always kept in bags.
  • Smartphones must not be seen or used anywhere on the school site at any time.

If a phone is seen or used, it will be treated as a breach of our behaviour policy and will be confiscated in line with school procedures. To support consistency, sanctions will be strengthened for any sighting of a smartphone.

Clear expectations for all students

From September:

  • Smartphones must not be used at any point on the school site, including before school and at the end of the day.
  • Smartphones must be switched off and always stored in bags.
  • Any sighting of a smartphone, including in a pocket, will be treated as a breach of the behaviour policy.

Where expectations are not followed, the school will apply appropriate sanctions, including confiscation for three days, with smartphones collected by a parent or carer, in line with our updated behaviour policy.

 

Alternative options for families

We recognise that many families may not want their child to have a smartphone but want them to have a way to contact home before and after school.

For those who prefer not to send a smartphone into school, a basic/’brick’ phone can be a helpful alternative.

Basic (“brick”) phones are designed to:

  • Make calls and send texts only.
  • Have no access to internet or apps.
  • Often have no camera, supporting privacy and safeguarding.

These can help to reduce distractions, limit exposure to online risks, and provide a simple, reliable way to stay in touch.

Examples include Nokia 105, Nokia 106 (selected versions), Maxcom MM135L, Easyfone T200.

 

Optional alternative: tracking devices

Some families may prefer not to provide a phone at all. In this case, small tracking devices attached to a bag or keyring can offer additional reassurance (e.g. AirTag, Tile Mate, Samsung SmartTag2).

 

Important reminders

Brick phones must also be switched off and out of sight throughout the school day

Brick phones will be confiscated if seen during the day and handed back to students at the end of that day

The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal devices

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can my child bring a phone for emergencies? Yes. Students may bring a phone, but it must be switched off and kept in their bag throughout the school day.
  • What if I need to contact my child during the day? Please contact the school office, and we will ensure messages are passed on promptly.
  • What if my child needs to contact me? Students can speak to a member of staff or Student Support, who will support them in making contact.
  • What happens if a phone is seen? Any phone that is seen (including in a pocket or being used) will be confiscated and a sanction applied in line with the behaviour policy:
  • Smartphone: 3-day confiscation and parents must collect.
  • Basic/’brick’ phone: confiscated for the rest of the day then returned the same day.
  • How will confiscated phones be returned? Smartphones will be kept securely and must be collected by a parent or carer after the three-day confiscation period. Basic/’brick’ phones will be confiscated for the rest of the day and returned at the end of the same day.
  • What about medical or exceptional circumstances? We recognise that some students may need access to a device. Please contact the school so that appropriate arrangements can be agreed.
  • Does this include smart watches? Yes. Any smart device with communication, camera or internet capability must not be used or visible during the school day.
  • What about the journey to and from school? Students may use their phones before and after the school day off-site. Once on site, phones must be switched off and out of sight.

 

Working together

We know that every family situation is different, and we greatly appreciate your support in helping us maintain a calm, focused and safe environment for all students. If you have any questions or would like advice about suitable devices, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Downloads

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Smartphone-Free Site Poster 10th Jul 2026 Download