At The Radclyffe School, our vision is Working Together for Excellence. As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and high-quality learning, we are launching a consultation with parents and carers on proposals to strengthen our existing phone-free school day.
The Radclyffe School already operates a zero-tolerance approach to mobile phones and other electronic devices during the school day. Our current Mobile and Electronic Devices Policy requires phones to be switched off and kept out of sight, and our Behaviour Policy sets out the consequences for students who do not follow these expectations.
Recent changes introduced through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 place new legal responsibilities on schools regarding mobile phone use during the school day. As part of meeting these requirements, we are consulting on proposals to further strengthen our existing approach by introducing secure mobile phone pouches alongside updates to our confiscation procedures.
What is being proposed?
Under the proposal, students would still be able to bring a mobile phone to school for travel and personal safety. However, on arrival each morning, phones would be placed into an individual locking pouch, provided by the school, which students would keep with them in their school bag throughout the day.
The pouch would remain securely locked until students leave the school site, when it could be unlocked at designated stations before they travel home. Students would be expected to look after their pouch in the same way they are expected to care for other school equipment and essential items.
Every student would be issued with one pouch free of charge. Information about replacement pouches in the event they are lost or damaged is included in the Frequently Asked Questions.
The school’s existing expectations around mobile phones would remain in place throughout the consultation period and until any changes are formally introduced.
Why are we proposing this?
Our aim is to create the best possible environment for learning while supporting students’ wellbeing and helping them build positive relationships with one another.
A growing body of national and international research suggests that reducing mobile phone use during the school day can have significant benefits for young people, including:
- Improved concentration and academic achievement.
- Fewer distractions during lessons.
- Better face-to-face communication and social interaction.
- Reduced safeguarding concerns linked to social media.
- Improved wellbeing through reduced anxiety and screen distraction.
Communication and student safety
We understand that many families value their child having a mobile phone for travel before and after school. Students would continue to be able to bring their phones to school under the proposal, but they would not have access to them during the school day.
Should a student need to contact home, or if a parent or carer needs to contact their child in an emergency, this would continue to be managed through the school office, as it is now. Appropriate arrangements would also remain in place for students with recognised medical needs requiring access to a mobile device.
Have your say
We know parents and carers may have questions or different perspectives on these proposals, and we are keen to hear your views before any decisions are made.
A detailed letter and Frequently Asked Questions have been shared with all families, explaining how the proposed system would work, including arrangements for communication, medical needs, educational visits, confiscations and replacement pouches.
The consultation is now open and will close on Friday 10th July 2026. Feedback from parents, carers, staff and students will be carefully considered before any final decision is made. The outcome of the consultation and any next steps will be communicated to families before October 2026.
How to take part
Complete the Parent Consultation Form linked below by Friday 10th July 2026. View the letter sent to parents by Mr Cregg and the FAQs below also.
Useful links
Mobile Phone Consultation Form
Parent Consultation Letter from Mr Cregg
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for taking the time to share your views and for your continued support as we work together to provide a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment where every student can flourish academically, socially and personally.
