Mobile Phone policy

I wanted to remind parents that we have changed our mobile phone policy in line with government expectations for school to ensure that mobile phones are prohibited during the school day. As I notified you the Department for Education has recently strengthened national guidance regarding mobile phone use in schools, which had to be implemented by 1 April, 2026. This guidance reflects increasing evidence about the impact that mobile phones and social media can have on students’ concentration, wellbeing and readiness to learn during the school day. Mobile phones in schools - GOV.UK

At Reading Girls’ School, our priority is to provide a calm, focused and safe environment where every student can thrive academically and socially. In line with this national guidance, and following careful review, we are updating our procedures regarding mobile phones and electronic devices. Our approach is rooted in partnership. By working together — school and home — we can support students to develop positive habits, minimise distraction, and fully engage in learning.

Mobile Phone Expectations (Years 7–11)
Mobile phones and electronic devices are not permitted for use on the school site for students in Years 7–11. Consequently, phones can only be used once they are passed the student gates at the entrance of the school. If students must bring a mobile phone to school for travel or safety reasons, the device must be switched off and placed in their locker immediately upon arrival and must remain there until the end of the school day, unless a student is leaving early with permission. Students must not carry phones with them during the school day, and once collected at the end of the day, it must be placed in their bags, until they leave the student gate at the front of the school.

Sixth Form Students
Sixth Form students may use mobile devices:
- in the Sixth Form Common Room
- in the Study Room for learning purposes
- during lessons only when permission has been given by the teacher to support learning.

Confiscation Procedures Any mobile phone or electronic device that is seen or heard anywhere on the school site, during any part of the school day, including the end of the school day, will be confiscated. Confiscated devices will: - normally be available for parent/carer collection after 3:00pm on the following school day - if confiscated on a Friday, be available for collection on the following Monday - at the end of term only, be available for collection on the same day. In line with our updated Behaviour Policy, repeated breaches may result in further sanctions.

We are currently reviewing undergoing an audit of which students have lockers, to ensure that all students have access to a locker. It is important that should your child have a locker that they have a locker key before the end of this term. Communication During the School Day Parents and carers who need to contact their child during the school day should do so via the School Reception. If a student needs to contact home urgently, they should speak with their Head of Year , Form Tutor or a member of the Senior Leadership Team, who will support appropriate communication with home. Storage and Responsibility Where students bring mobile phones onto the school site: - devices must be switched off and stored securely in lockers; - the school cannot accept responsibility for electronic devices that are lost, damaged or misplaced.

We recognise that mobile phones are an important part of modern life, particularly for communication before and after school. This policy is therefore not about removing access entirely, but about ensuring that students can learn free from distraction and fully engage with their peers and teachers throughout the school day. Your support is essential in helping students understand and follow these expectations.

We kindly ask that you discuss these changes with your child and reinforce the importance of storing phones safely in lockers each morning.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,
Marika Farrugia
Principal Reading Girls’ School