As you will be aware, over the course of the 2025/26 academic year we have been reviewing our smartphone policy. Following extensive reflection, consultation with parents, and consideration of national guidance, we would like to outline important changes to our approach to smartphones in school that will come into place from September 2026, provide more related documentation as to the Guidance provide to schools and also answer some questions that have been raised through the consultation.
Government guidance to schools on mobile phones in schools
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phones-in-schools/mobile-phones-in-schools
Children’s commissioner report on children’s relationship with mobile phones and social media:
https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/statement/statement-from-the-childrens-commissioner-on-the-consultation-to-improve-childrens-relationship-with-mobile-phones-and-social-media/
Youtube video on smartphone free schools:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rav2AiREakk
Relevant BBC news article relating to Youtube and TIkTok and mobile phones:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0pky4zpxxo
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions we have received:
| Questions: |
Responses: |
| My child needs a smartphone to do their homework set |
- We have asked staff to ensure home learning can be accessed using another device e.g.: PC; IPAD, etc.
- Please contact the school to see if we are able to provide support where there is a financial need to purchase a suitable device.
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| How will I contact my child if their smartphone is confiscated in school? |
- A school owned ‘brick’ phone will be made available to a student for the period of confiscation. This is to be handed back at the end of the confiscation period in return for their own device.
- As has always been the case, the school reception/college office remains a point of reference when students need to contact home. Students are expected to use break and lunch time to do this.
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| My child will be at risk on the way to/from school if they do not have a phone |
- Students will be allowed to bring a non-smartphone or ‘brick’ device to school that must remain switched off during the school day. A list of approved brick phones can be found on the website.
- There is some evidence to suggest that students are safer if it is known that school policies prohibit smartphones as they are less likely to be a target of robbery.
- We will be working with students through assemblies and mentor time on how be safe WITHOUT a phone on the way to and from school. When students are too reliant on their phones for safety, it can actually put them at greater risk.
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| I need a smartphone for my bus passes/access to money |
- The school will inform local bus companies about the move to be smartphone free and need for students to have a physical bus pass.
- Other forms (debt card for example) of purchasing should be considered
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| Will the no Smartphones/devices be extended to include school visits |
- Yes. For the same reason as in school. The number of a school phone will be provided to parents to make contact with supervising adults and, as in school, a ‘brick’ phone will be permitted.
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| I need my smartphone for medical reasons |
- This will be assessed on an individual basis. Alternatives to phones will be explored and where there is medical advice suggests there is not a suitable alternative the school will support.
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| What about students who find smartphones a helpful tool to manage anxiety? |
- We recognise that for some of our students, this will be a particularly significant change.
- Evidence suggests smartphones can often be the cause of anxiety.
- Individual needs will be considered and suitable alternatives explored with the SEND team where there is genuine need.
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| As a parent I need to contact my child during the school day |
- If a student has a brick phone, messages will remain on there until they can access them at 3.16pm. Parents/carers should not expect a reply to a message from their child during school hours.
- For urgent messages school reception can be contacted and your child allowed to contact back should the need arise. We will work closely with parents/carers to ensure communication is timely and we make best use of our school website and MCAS to provide important information about school.
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