Mobile Phone Policy (From 1st July 2026)

At The Westleigh School, we are committed to providing a safe, focused and engaging learning environment where every student can achieve their best. As part of this commitment, our school is a phone-free environment during the school day.

In line with Department for Education guidance, all students securely store their mobile phones in lockable phone lockers at the start of the school day. This ensures that phones are not a distraction to learning and helps create a calm, purposeful atmosphere throughout the school.

Research and the experience of schools across the UK and internationally show that removing mobile phones from the school day leads to improved concentration, stronger social interaction, better behaviour and enhanced safeguarding. We have seen these benefits reflected in our own school community.

We recognise that mobile phones play an important role in everyday life and are a valuable means of communication outside school hours. Our policy is not about preventing students from owning or bringing phones to school; it is about ensuring that the school day remains focused on learning, personal development and positive relationships.

How the system works

Each form room is equipped with a secure, lockable phone locker.

  • Students place their mobile phone in their allocated locker when they arrive at school.
  • Phones remain securely stored for the duration of the school day.
  • At 2.50pm, students return to their form room, where the lockers are unlocked and phones are collected before they leave the school site.

The secure locker system has been successfully adopted by thousands of schools worldwide and by a growing number of schools in our local area. It provides a simple, safe and effective way of supporting a phone-free learning environment while ensuring students' devices remain secure throughout the day.

We appreciate the continued support of our parents and carers in helping us maintain high standards of learning, behaviour and wellbeing. By working together, we can ensure that every student benefits from an environment that promotes concentration, engagement and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this policy apply only to smartphones?

No. The policy applies to all mobile phones, regardless of make or model.

What happens if my child does not bring their phone to school?

There is no issue. If a student does not bring a mobile phone to school, they simply will not need to use a phone locker that day.

What happens if my child forgets to place their phone in the locker?

Students are reminded during morning form time to place their phone in their allocated locker if they have not already done so. If a student is found to have their phone after this point, it will be confiscated in line with the school's behaviour policy.

When will my child get their phone back?

Students collect their phones from their form room at 2.50pm, before the end of the school day.

What happens if my child forgets to collect their phone?

Students should return to their form room as soon as possible to collect their phone or speak to a member of staff for assistance.

If the phone remains in the locker after the end of the school day, the locker will remain securely locked overnight. The student will be able to collect their phone from their form room the following school day.

Are the phone lockers supervised?

Yes. The phone lockers are located in form rooms and are supervised by staff whenever students are accessing them. The lockers remain securely locked throughout the school day, ensuring that students' phones are stored safely until they are collected at the end of the day.

What happens if my child breaches the mobile phone policy?

If a student breaches the mobile phone policy, their phone will be confiscated. A parent or carer will be required to collect the phone from school. Sanctions will be applied in line with the school's behaviour policy. Full details of the sanctions are available in the Mobile Phone Policy.

My child needs access to their phone for medical reasons. What should they do?

We recognise that some students require access to a mobile phone for medical reasons, such as monitoring a medical condition. Any exceptions to the policy will be considered on an individual basis and must be agreed in writing by the SENCo and Deputy Headteacher.

How can I contact my child during the school day?

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please telephone the school's Main Reception. If necessary, a message will be passed to your child or arrangements will be made for them to contact you.

What happens if my child needs to leave school early?

If a student has permission to leave school before the end of the day, they will be able to collect their phone from their form room locker before they leave, with support from a member of staff if required.

What happens if my child attends an after-school club or activity?

Students collect their phones during afternoon form time as usual, so they will have their phone with them if they are attending an after-school club, fixture or other extra-curricular activity.

What happens on educational visits and school trips?

Expectations regarding mobile phone use will be communicated before each visit. In general, phones remain stored in lockers during the normal school day. For educational visits taking place after school or for residential trips, specific arrangements will be shared with students and parents in advance.

What happens if my child arrives late to school?

Students who arrive after morning registration should hand their phone in at the Pupil Office. The phone will be stored securely and can be collected from the Pupil Office at the end of the school day.

What happens if my child has an after-school detention?

Students who have an after-school detention will still receive their phone at the end of the school day. Form tutors will take the phone directly to the detention room, where it will be returned to the student when the detention has finished.