Mobile phones
A phone-free school
At Brannel School, we are committed to providing a calm, focused and supportive environment where every learner can make the most of their time at school.
From September 2026, mobile phones are not permitted on the Brannel School site.
This approach supports the Department for Education's statutory guidance, which expects schools in England to provide a mobile-phone-free environment by default, with pupils having no access to mobile phones throughout the school day.
We believe that removing mobile phones from the school environment helps reduce distraction, supports positive relationships and allows learners to focus fully on their education and wider school experience.
Our Mobile Phone Policy
Mobile phones must not be brought onto the school site.
Learners are expected to leave their mobile phone at home each day.
This means that mobile phones must not be:
-
Carried onto the school site
-
Used anywhere on the school site
-
Kept in school bags, pockets or lockers
-
Used during lessons, break or lunchtime
-
Used on the journey between lessons or elsewhere on school premises
The expectation applies throughout the school day and across the school site.
Learners who need to make or receive an important call or message should use the school's communication arrangements rather than a personal mobile phone.
Staying in Touch
We understand that parents and carers may sometimes need to contact their child during the school day.
To support our phone-free environment, please do not contact your child directly on a mobile phone during the school day.
If you need to contact your child, please contact Brannel School Reception:
01726 822485
Our staff will pass on messages where appropriate and will support your child to make contact with you when there is a genuine need.
In an emergency, please contact the school directly rather than attempting to contact your child through their personal device.
Individual Circumstances
We recognise that there may be circumstances where a learner requires access to a mobile phone or similar device because of a medical condition, disability, safeguarding concern or other individual need.
Where this applies, the school will consider appropriate arrangements and reasonable adjustments in line with its legal duties and the individual circumstances of the learner.
Any agreed exception will be discussed with the school in advance and will set out when, where and how the device may be accessed.
Parents and carers who believe their child requires an exception should contact the school to discuss their individual circumstances.
What happens if a phone is brought to school?
Our expectation is that learners leave their mobile phone at home.
If a learner brings a mobile phone onto the school site without an agreed exception, the school will respond in accordance with our Behaviour Policy and Mobile Phone Policy.
This may include the phone being confiscated and a parent or carer being required to collect it, alongside any other consequences set out in the school's behaviour policy.
The purpose of these expectations is not to punish learners, but to maintain a consistent, calm and focused environment for everyone.