At Gosforth Group, we’re committed to creating learning environments where every student can thrive and flourish. Our young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives on and offline. This presents many exciting opportunities – but also academic, emotional and social challenges. We already ask students to keep their phones switched off and in their bags. From October 2026, in line with recent government legislation, we are preparing to be a completely phone free school for students in Years 7-11.

This isn’t just about limiting screen time, it’s about giving students the space to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and thrive in an environment designed for their growth.

Therefore, we are implementing a lockable pouch system for the storage of mobile phones during the school day. The NYES lockable phone solution enables schools to create a structured, smartphone-free learning environment by securely storing students' mobile devices during the school day.

Benefits include:

• Minimises interruptions in lessons and helps students maintain better concentration

• Promotes more direct communication and healthier in-person social interaction among student

• Enhances pupil wellbeing - reduces access to social media and exposure to cyberbullying during school hours

• Lowers the risk of misuse of mobile devices - cheating, unauthorised filming

• Contributes to a more positive, calm and respectful learning environment

Please note that the pouch is a secure locking pouch. It is not a protective phone case. Students will be expected to handle it correctly, avoid interfering with the locking part, and report any visible damage immediately.

How this will work

If a student wishes to bring a mobile phone to school, they will be required to purchase a school lockable pouch—a secure case for storing personal devices. Payment will be made payable via school ipay and pouches will be charged at £8.95.

The pouches can be purchased from Monday 7th September 2026 and will be distributed to students before the implementation of the policy on 5th October 2026.

Students are responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school each day, and keeping it in good condition, as they would any item of school uniform.

From 5th October

• Upon arrival: Students power off their mobile phones, place all devices in the pouch, and lock it in front of a member of school staff.
• During the day: Students keep the locked pouch in their bag/backpack etc.
• At the end of the school day: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices

This process is quick, simple, and will be supervised by school staff as part of our daily routine.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a focused, present, and positive school environment for every student.

Yours sincerely
Mrs S Cooke
Head of School