Mobile Phones in School
At Hodge Hill Girls’ School, our priority is to ensure that every pupil feels safe, calm and able to focus fully on their learning. Increasingly, both our teaching and pastoral teams have found that pupil access to mobile phones during the school day can disrupt this positive environment. After careful consideration and encouraged by the positive impact seen in other phone‑free schools, Hodge Hill Girls’ School will be introducing a mobile phone‑free policy from 1st September 2026.
For further information: DfE Guidance: Mobile Phones in Schools
We recognise that many pupils need their phones for their journey to and from school, and we are not asking pupils to stop bringing their phone altogether. Instead, when school re-opens in September, all pupils will be issued with a magnetic Phone Locker pouch, in which they will securely store their phone throughout the school day. These pouches remain with the pupil at all times, but they can only be unlocked at a designated magnet station when pupils leave at the end of the school day. Our research shows that this approach offers a simple, consistent and student‑friendly way to manage phone use, without relying on punitive measures.
Mobile phone use is already prohibited during the school day, and the Phone Locker system provides a clear and supportive way to uphold this expectation. It avoids the need for staff to confiscate devices and prevents unnecessary conflict, while giving pupils the reassurance of having their phone safely with them throughout the day.
All pupils will receive a Phone Locker pouch free of charge at the start of term. If a pupil loses or damages their pouch, parents will be required to purchase a replacement copy via ParentPay at a cost of £12, so that every pupil can continue to keep their phone securely on their person. If a mobile phone is found on a pupil without being in their pouch, it will be confiscated and parents will be contacted & informed of a collection time.
We know many families share our concerns about the impact of mobile phones on wellbeing, focus and social interactions. Your support at home will be invaluable in helping us embed this change smoothly and positively for all pupils.
Phone Locker Secure Pouches FAQs for Parents
For further information about the new mobile phone policy and the Phone Locker pouch system, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
Why is the school introducing secure mobile phone pouches?
Existing school rules prevent pupils from using their mobile phones during the school day. The introduction of secure mobile phone pouches is a clear and simple way of enforcing this rule, whilst still allowing pupils to keep their mobile phone on their person.
Research has shown that making schools phone-free spaces increases pupil focus, engagement and interaction – both in the classroom and playground.
Why did the school choose Phone Locker pouches?
Phone Locker pouches are quick and simple to use, allowing pupils the security of retaining their phone, with a fast and easy way of accessing them again at the end of the school day.
Our Phone Locker pouches have also been produced in school colours and feature the school logo.
How do Phone Locker pouches work?
In morning registration at the start of the day, pupils place their mobile phone in their Phone Locker pouch and close the fastening. Form tutors will check that pouches are locked before they are put away in pupils’ bags.
To unlock their pouch as they exit the school site, pupils simply tap their pouch on one of the magnetic unlocking stations installed along the school path. One quick tap releases the locking mechanism, allowing pupils to access their phones as they leave site. Pupils will take their pouch home and bring it in the next morning.
What if I need to contact my child during the school day?
Our current policy is that phones must be switched off and in bags, so there should already be no direct communication with pupils during the school day.
If you need to make an urgent wellbeing enquiry about your child, or communicate information to them (such as a forgotten PE kit), please call the school phone line and speak to Reception staff, who will be happy to pass along any necessary information.
What happens if there is a fire evacuation or a lockdown situation?
In the case of a site emergency such as evacuation or lockdown, it is vitally important that all pupils follow the instructions given by staff to ensure their safety. In such situations, pupil access to mobile phones would be a distraction and complicating factor.
My child has a medical reason for requiring access to their phone at school. How will this work?
Pupils with a legitimate medical need to access their phone (e.g. diabetic monitoring) will be provided with a Velcro-opening Phone Locker pouch, allowing them to comply with school rules whilst also ensuring their medical needs are met.
What happens if my daughter loses or damages her Phone Locker pouch?
The School has invested in purchasing a Phone Locker pouch for every pupil in school. Pouches are robust and designed to last for several years when treated well. If a pouch is lost or damaged, parents will be required to purchase a replacement pouch at a cost of £12.
