Mobile Phones
From September 2026, we will begin using Phone Locker pouches with all students in Years 7 to 13.
This initiative does not represent a major change to our existing mobile phone policy. Phones are already expected not to be seen or heard during the school day. However, enforcing this consistently relies heavily on staff time and does not always prevent phone use during unstructured times such as break, lunch, or between lessons.
There is growing national and international concern about the impact of mobile phones and social media on young people’s wellbeing, mental health, learning and safeguarding. Governments, educators and health professionals are increasingly aligned in recognising the need to reduce distraction and social media pressure during the school day.
The Phone Locker pouch provides a simple physical barrier that removes temptation and creates a consistent, fair approach for all students. Phones are not confiscated unless seen.
Students keep their phones with them throughout the day but cannot access them until they are unlocked at the end of the school day. This supports focus in lessons and helps safeguard students from online issues during school hours.
Staff will be able to unlock pouches if required, and students with medical needs, such as diabetes monitoring, will have appropriate alternative arrangements in place.
Families where this applies will be contacted individually. If parents need to contact their child during the school day, existing systems via the school office remain unchanged.
Here is a link with a video of how the pouches work: Phone Locker Pouches - How it works
We have researched schools where this system is already in place and considered many different approaches to address the issue. The feedback from schools using phone pouches has been consistently positive, with reports of calmer social spaces, improved focus in lessons, and fewer phone-related safeguarding concerns.
To support this initiative, the academy is funding the overall cost of the pouches. No cost will be charged to families. Each pouch is designed to last for the entirety of a student’s time at the school. We regard this academy cost as a worthwhile investment in learning, wellbeing and safeguarding.
Please see our FAQ Document, Mobile Phone Pouch Protocol and a draft updated Personal Mobile Electronic Device Policy below.