News

The Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust are taking a bold step: banning mobile phones during the school day. Far from being a punishment, this move is about giving our students the freedom to focus, connect, and thrive. It is also about protecting young people from unhelpful comments on social media during school hours.  

A phone-free policy launched at Kenilworth School for the start of this term has been hailed as a positive step forward and cultural shift for students.  This follows on the back for the success of the ban on mobiles phones at The Westwood Academy last year. 

The trust wants to relive students of the reliance on mobile phones for social interactions.  Constant access to group chats and online platforms fuels anxiety, comparison, and peer pressure. By removing phones from the school day, we believe that we are giving our students a chance to focus on learning and enjoy school without the pressure to respond instantly to every message.
At Kenilworth School, this has been possible through introduction of phone pouches that have provided to students. Students must place their mobile phones in the designated pouches at the start of the school day, where they will be securely locked. Before our students leave the school site, they unlock their pouches using devices that are placed in each classroom.
 

Further to this, there have been changes with the use of mobile phones in the Sixth Form. Students are now only allowed to use them in designated areas with the school site; with the risk of confiscation if they are found using them outside of these areas.

We have seen a noticeable decrease in the number of sanctions being given for students being found with their phones out during the school day.

Mr Nick Mummery Head of School said “Several different groups of students have said that they have appreciated not being able to use their phones as they need a break from them and they feel under less peer pressure. In addition to the school attainment benefits, this has benefitted students’ mental health. 

Hayden Abbott, CEO of the Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust said “The ban on mobile phones in both schools is having a very positive impact in many ways. It is giving our students a better school experience and improved environment for learning in which they can enjoy their education, free from the interruption or distraction of messages and posts on social media. “

Research backs this up: Schools enforcing effective bans see students achieve 1–2 grades higher in GCSE exams, (Smartphonefreechildhood.org, 2024)

Thank you to our parents and carers for supporting this initiative. Together, we can make school a place where students are fully present — in every sense of the word.