The policies for mobile phones at Basingstoke schools

We wanted to know if Basingstoke schools felt the same way, so we've compiled a list of secondary schools in the town and their policies on mobile phone usage during the school day.

According to guidance issued by the government in February, schools should maintain a policy that 'prohibits the use of mobile phones' to 'minimise disruption' and 'improve behaviour in classrooms'.

READ MORE: Cuts to school crossing patrols slammed as 'dangerous' by Basingstoke schoolchildren

The Blue Coat School

The school, formerly known as Aldworth, prohibits the use of mobile phones, music players and headphones during the school day.

If students are using the devices, they 'will be confiscated' with parents required to pick up the phones at the end of the school day. The policy adds that staff 'may allow students to use their phones in a lesson to support learning where appropriate'. 

Brighton Hill Community School

Students at Brighton Hill are 'permitted' to bring mobile phones to school 'for use, if necessary, before and after school' as a 'healthy and safety consideration'.

However, pupils must ensure phones are 'kept out of sight and switched off' or they will be confiscated 'until a parent or nominated adult has collected the phone'.

The policy adds that if students are 'found in toilet cubicles with other students' they will 'automatically have their phones confiscated' and 'should expect to be searched for other prohibited items'.

Everest Community Academy

The academy, in Sherborne St John, describes itself as a 'mobile phone free zone' for students during the school day.

If pupils do wish to bring in the devices, they must be 'switched off and placed in bags or lockers' until the end of school.

Using phones will result in them being confiscated, and on the third strike, parents/carers 'will be contacted to collect it'.

The Costello School

The school says they 'recognise that in modern society a mobile phone is an excellent safety measure' adding that that devices have become 'second nature'.

However, the school says that the misuse of phones 'can cause harm' and may be 'detrimental to social etiquette and relationship building'.

Students are allowed to bring the devices, but they must be 'off and out of sight throughout the school day'. The policy adds that phones may be used in lessons at the direction of teachers to 'enhance learning'.

The Vyne Community School

"Allowing access to mobiles in school introduces complexity and risks," says the policy for this Basingstoke school.

It adds that phones can be a 'detriment to learning' and must be 'turned off and away in bags from 8.30am to 2.40pm'. If the devices are seen by staff members they 'will be confiscated'. 

Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School

The school prohibits the usage of mobile phones through Yondr, a phone pouch that students place their devices into before the pouch is locked and then unlocked at the end of the school day.

The guidance for pupils states that it is each student's responsibility to 'bring their pouch with them to school every day' and 'keep it in good working condition'.

Cranbourne School

Similar to the policy at Bishop Challoner, students at Cranbourne are also expected to use Yondr phone pouches to support the devices, but they will be used occasionally 'when a member of staff requests their use'.

The school says that if students fail to secure their devices in the pouch, 'it will be confiscated and given to the head teacher'.

Dove House Academy

This school does not allow phones to be used 'during the school day' and instead provides students with a 'lockable safe to store electronic devices'.

If devices are seen or used, they 'must be handed to the behaviour support team or senior leadership team' before being collected at the end of the day.