No Phones Seen Approach

Phones are not required for learning, and we strongly advise Year 7 parents/carers to avoid purchasing or providing their daughter with a smartphone.

It is pleasing to hear that a growing number of parents are choosing NOT to provide their daughter with a smartphone, and we hope that our approach will encourage more parents of younger students to adopt a similar stance.

Summary

Our ‘No Phones Seen’ approach is in effect from 8.25am to 3.25 pm. The approach aims to strengthen respectful social engagement, and help students build greater digital discipline.

If students in Years 7 and 8 wish to bring a phone to College, the phone must be switched off and stored in their locker between 8.25am - 3.25pm.
If students in Years 9 to 11 bring a phone to College, the phone must be switched off or set to silent and stored out of sight when on the college campus.
Sixth form students may use phones in the Sixth Form Centre and the QSR, and in the library, and in Hector’s Café during lesson time only.
Sixth form students are role models to younger years and should adhere closely to the No Phones Seen approach when moving around the college.

Rationale:

The following outlines our rationale and expectations for students’ smartphone use to strengthen further a positive learning environment, enhance social interaction, and support student wellbeing.

Given the growing influence of social media and AI on young people, the College is actively encouraging greater face-to-face communication, helping students build stronger peer relationships and social skills in the digital age.

Improved Social Interaction: Students are encouraged to engage in face-to-face communication during breaks and lunchtimes, thereby strengthening peer relationships.
Wellbeing and Mental Health: Seven hours of uninterrupted no phones environment further promotes a healthy balance between online and real-world interactions, reducing anxiety linked to social media and constant connectivity.
Enhanced Focus and Learning: Encourages students to apply the “no phone close by” habit to their studies beyond the school day .
Digital Responsibility: Teaches appropriate and respectful use of technology in professional and academic settings.
Safer School Environment: Reduces opportunities for inappropriate phone use and ensures that students remain present and attentive to their surroundings.

Policy expectations.

The No Phone Seen approach forms part of our Supporting Student Behaviour policy.

1. No phones seen

Phones must be switched off, set to silent mode and stored out of sight when on college campus between the hours of 0825 and 1525.
Students in Years 7 and 8 are required to switch off their phone and store it in their locker from 0825 until 1525.
Phones cannot be used between 0825 and 1525, including during breaks and lunchtimes, unless authorised by staff.
Smart watches (e.g. Apple Watch) may be worn, but they should not be used to access phone features. They must be removed during exams.

2. Emergency contact

Parents/carers who need to contact their child during school hours should do so by contacting the school office or emailing their daughter.
Students needing to contact home during the school day should either email, from their device for learning, or request permission to use the phone in the school office.

3. Breaches of policy

First incident: The phone will be confiscated, and the student can collect it from the school office at the end of the school day.
Any subsequent incident in the same academic year: The phone will be confiscated, and a parent/carer will need to collect it from the school office.
Persistent breaches: Additional sanctions may be applied, such as the requirement to hand the phone to a senior member of staff each day.
Breaches will be monitored and recorded in a spreadsheet.

4. Staff responsibilities

All staff are responsible for enforcing the ‘No Phone Seen’ policy consistently.
Staff should model appropriate phone use by limiting visible personal phone use during the school day.

5. Student responsibilities

Comply with the policy and follow staff instructions regarding phone use.
Store phones securely, ensuring they are switched off and out of sight during the school day.
Year 7 and 8 students must store their phones in their lockers and keep them switched off during the school day.
Any phone usage whilst in College before and after the school day must adhere to the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA).

6. College responsibilities