A secondary school in Chippenham is set to become “phone-free” during the school day as part of a new policy aimed at improving student wellbeing and behaviour.
Sheldon School has announced it will introduce Yondr pouches from Term 6, which will be used to securely store students’ phones, smart watches and earbuds during school hours.
The pouches, which are locked and only opened at the end of the day, are designed to prevent access to devices while still allowing students to keep them with them.
The pouches are locked magnetically at the start of the day and can only be opened using designated unlocking stations at the end of the day. Students will keep their devices with them throughout the day, but will not be able to access them during school hours.
School leaders say the move follows consultation with parents and visits to other schools already using similar systems.
They believe the change will support students’ mental wellbeing, while also helping to improve attendance, attainment, behaviour and social interaction.
A parent information evening was held earlier this week to explain how the system will work, alongside a survey which helped inform the decision.
Students will be introduced to the new system through tutor sessions and assemblies ahead of the rollout.
The policy will apply to Years 7 to 10 from the start of Term 6. There will be no changes for Year 11 students, who are currently sitting exams, or for those in the sixth form.
Further details are expected to be shared with parents in the coming weeks.
The move comes as schools across England tighten rules around mobile phone use.
The Department for Education has issued guidance backing headteachers who choose to ban phones during the school day, saying it can help improve behaviour and reduce disruption in classrooms.
While there is no legal requirement for a full ban, many schools are now introducing stricter policies, with some, like Sheldon, adopting systems such as Yondr pouches to enforce them.
Education leaders say concerns around social media, distraction and online safety have driven the shift, with increasing evidence linking excessive phone use to impacts on concentration and wellbeing. Similar systems are already in use in a number of schools across the UK.
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