Phone Policy

Not seen, Not heard, Not used 

Mobile phones should remain switched off and must not be used or visible around the school premises at any point. 

This is because we recognise that many children have unlimited and unrestricted access to the internet via mobile phone networks (i.e. 3G, 4G and 5G). This access means some children, whilst at school, have the opportunity to bully, sexually harass, disturb, torment, provoke, or otherwise distract their peers via their mobile and smart technology, share indecent images: consensually and non-consensually (often via large chat groups), and view and share pornography and other harmful content.

 An embargo on the use of mobile phones is therefore essential safeguarding practice. These devices are also a distraction from work, effort, verbal communication and concentration.

Mobile phones, ‘smart’ phones, tablets or other mobile devices may not be used in lessons. No such devices should be used or visible at any time. Students who need to contact parents must go to the office to seek assistance.

Trips, Visits and Travel

 The embargo on mobile phone usage applies on any school trip or visit, including sports fixtures. Phones must not be used while travelling to and from any school event, trip, visit, excursion or sporting fixture, or at the destination, regardless of the time of day. 

Trip Leaders managing overnight stays may allow phone usage under certain circumstances whilst at the destination (for example, in hotel rooms during ‘down time’), but this must be decided in advance and communicated to attendees and families. Phones may be banned entirely on certain trips. 

If pupils make their phones visible, or attempt to use them, during the school day at any time (except in a classroom at the invitation of the teacher), they should be confiscated. The item should be given to the relevant pastoral office (lower, middle, sixth form) who will contact parents. The phone will only be returned if collected by a parent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 Can I use my phone in school before school starts at 8.20am or after 3.10pm? No, phones may not be used, seen or heard at any point while you are physically on the school premises. 

I usually wait in the playground to be picked up after school. Can I use my phone? No, if you are physically on the school site then you must not use your phone regardless of the time of day. 

If I go rugby/hockey/cricket training after school, can I use my phone while waiting to be collected? No, you must make sensible arrangements in advance. If you are waiting in school you must not use your phone. 

I’m in the sixth form. Where and when in school can I use my phone? Nowhere. The same standards and expectations that were in place in Year 7 to 11 apply to you. 

I go to the school gym after school occasionally, can I use my phone there? No. The gym is part of the school premises and you must not use your phone in that location. 

I’m in the sixth form. If I leave school to go to the local shop at lunchtime or a study period, can I use my phone? Yes, as long as you are not physically on site you may use your phone. 

I keep my timetable on my phone. Can I check it throughout the day? No, your phone must not be used for any purpose, keep a copy of your timetable on your Chromebook. 

I’m going on a school trip for the day, can I use my phone while I’m travelling? No. The rule extends to school trips and visits and is in place to encourage meaningful social interactions. 

I am on the way back from a sports fixture or school trip and we have been delayed. How do I notify my parents? Staff will allow students to use their phones briefly on school trips and sport trips to communicate a late arrival for example.