Digital Device Information

“Using any of the below during the school day is considered a breach of government guidance and therefore unlawful within the school environment. Schools may only permit exceptions in rare, exceptional circumstances. The national stance is unequivocal: Phones have no place in the school day.” - UK Government

The UK Government has issued a non-negotiable national expectation that all schools operate as “mobile ‑ phone ‑ free environments by default.”

Under this statutory expectation:

*Phones must not be used or visible at any point during the school day, including BEFORE or AFTER school, including:

• Lessons 
• Transitions 
• Breaktime 
• Lunchtime 
• Anywhere on school grounds

*The rule also applies to smartwatches and any device capable of communication or recording.

The Government, and therefore the school, mandates that no digital device is to be used, seen or heard anywhere on the school site - at any time.

If a phone is required for travel to school, it must be switched off and stored away in your bag before entering the school grounds at the start of the day until exiting the school grounds at the end of the day.

This mandate applies to:

• Phone
• Headphones
• Smart watches 
• Any internet enabled device

Any digital devices used, seen or heard, (including in blazer pockets) will be confiscated immediately, without prior warning.

If earphones are visible, the associated phone will also be confiscated. This applies everywhere: at the entrance of the gates, corridors, stairwells, social spaces, outdoor areas, classrooms — without exception. 

Being seen on CCTV will result in confiscation. Any member of staff may confiscate a device if it is seen.

A confiscated digital device must be collected by the student's parent, guardian, or carer.

The rule is clear: Devices must not be visible at any time.

Why phones and digital devices should not be used, seen or heard within school and our school grounds:

• Boosts attention, behaviour and learning outcomes
• Reduces cyberbullying, social pressure and mental ‑ health strain
• Improves wellbeing by providing a daily “digital break”
• Strengthens safeguarding
• Promotes social interaction and stronger relationships
• Supports consistent behaviour policies and calmer school cultures
• Aligns with parental expectations and existing school practice