At Vandyke, we are committed to creating a calm, focused and safe learning environment where students can fully engage in school life. As part of this commitment, from September 2026 all Year 9–11 students will follow our updated mobile phone procedure.
Students are only permitted to bring mobile phones, smartwatches and listening devices (such as AirPods) onto site if they are stored securely in a lockable phone pouch for the school day.
On arrival at school, students must place their device(s) into their pouch and lock it using one of the magnetic locking stations located at school entrances. The pouch remains locked throughout the school day, helping to ensure devices are “away for the day” and reducing distractions, social media influences and unnecessary interruptions to learning. At the end of the school day, students can unlock their pouch using the unlocking stations near the school exits.
This system allows students to retain possession of their phones for travel to and from school, while supporting a consistent mobile phone-free learning environment during the day.
Key information for parents/carers:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches and listening devices may only be brought onto site if stored in an approved pouch.
- Students who choose not to take part in the pouch scheme must leave devices at home.
- If a device is seen outside of a pouch during the school day, it will be confiscated and managed in line with the school behaviour policy.
- Confiscated devices can only be collected by a parent/carer or another authorised adult on the school contact list.
- Students eligible for Pupil Premium will be provided with a pouch free of charge.
Students requiring immediate access to their phone for a clinically diagnosed medical condition (for example, glucose monitoring apps) may be eligible for an alternative Velcro pouch arrangement, subject to appropriate medical evidence.
Pouches can be purchased from the school shop via this link. For any further information, please contact your Year team.
