Phone Free School
Over the last few years, we have become increasingly concerned about the impact of phones on our young people, both in terms of their wellbeing and their learning. We know that many of you have also shared your concerns directly with staff. These concerns are shared by the Department of Education, and they have now directed all schools to ensure phones are not accessible to students during the school day.
We have therefore taken the decision for SWCHS to become a ‘phone free space’ for Years 7 to 11.
Whilst this change is being directed by the Department of Education, we also support the new guidance on mobile phones.
Phone pouch providers recently surveyed over 900 school partners to measure the effects of creating phone-free educational environments. These schools achieved notable progress in multiple areas:
● 65% of schools saw an improvement in academic performance
● 74% of schools saw an improvement in student behaviour
● 83% of schools saw an improvement in student engagement in the classroom
● 86% of schools saw a positive impact on student safety and wellness
The Department for Education (DfE)'s statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools says schools should be mobile phone-free 'by default' from 1 September 2026.
Phone-free means mobile phones (and similar devices) are prohibited throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, break and lunchtime.
HUSH POUCHES
Hush has been operating across over 150 schools in the UK for nearly two decades, delivering exceptional support to students, fostering an environment of academic success, personal growth, and well-being for all involved.
The Hush Programme utilises a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student will secure their phone, smart watch, and wireless earbuds, in a personally assigned Hush pouch when they arrive at school. This means that students will still have access to their phones on their journey to and from school. Students will maintain possession of their phone, smart watch and earbuds and will not use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Hush pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times. Hush Pouch | UK's Leading Lockable Phone Pouches