Mobile Phone Expectations

Pupils in Years 7 - 11 are issued a personal lockable phone pouch. While the lockable phone pouch is school property, it is each pupil’s responsibility to bring their pouch to school every day, keep it in good working condition, and lock their phone in the pouch before stepping onto the school site. If a pupil forgets their pouch, they will be either given a temporary pouch or expected to leave their phone in a named envelope in reception for collection at the end of the day. This must be done upon immediate arrival at school once pupils cross the threshold of the school entrance gates. Phones must remain locked away in the lockable phone pouch issued by the school while on the school site and can only be reopened using the unlocking devices situated at the exits at the end of the school day.

If a pupil arrives late to school, the expectation is the same: their phone must be locked in the lockable phone pouch before stepping onto the school site. If a pupil has to leave early, they will need to unlock their pouch at the school exits before departure.

The Broxbourne School is a mobile phone free environment, this includes, before, during and after 3:10pm. Pupils may exit the school site at the end of the day to use their mobile phone. If they return to the school site for an extra-curricular club, revision session or to wait for collection the phone must be in the lockable pouch.

In the event that a pupil loses their pouch then it will be the parent/carer’s responsibility to replace this. If a pupil purposely damages their lockable phone pouch, this will be considered vandalism and treated accordingly. Parents will be expected to cover the cost of replacing the pouch. Examples of intentional damage include:

  • Ripped fabric
  • Cuts or tears
  • Bent or damaged locking mechanisms
  • Signs of force (including attempts to open)

If a pupil does not bring a phone onto the school site then they will not be required to have their phone pouch with them. Parents may be contacted to confirm the pupil does not have their phone with them. Any phone found outside of a lockable phone pouch is considered a prohibited item. The consequence for having a phone outside of a pouch will result in a consequence as outlined in the table detailed below. The phone will be confiscated (including SIM card) and returned through a tariffed system, with the length of confiscation depending on how many times this behaviour has previously occurred. This policy also applies to any paired devices or smart technology e.g. smart watches (any of these items should also be placed into the lockable phone pouch). Please note that phone use includes utilising bluetooth connection via headphones when a phone is in a pouch anywhere on the premises. Please note that the school has the right to instruct pupils that they are not allowed to bring phones onto the school site.

First Stage

Phone confiscated. Pupils can collect from reception at the end of the day. C3 Head of Year detention issued (1 hour)

Second Stage

Phone confiscated. Parents/Carers must collect from reception at the end of the day. C3 Deputy Headteacher detention issued (1 hour)

Third Stage

Phone confiscated for 1 week. Parent/Carer must collect from a member of SLT. C4 issued (full school day in inclusion and 90 minute after school detention that day*)

Fourth Stage

Phone confiscated for 2 weeks. Parent/Carer must collect from a member of SLT. C4 issued (full school day in inclusion and 90 minute after school detention that day*)

Fifth Stage

Phone confiscated for (3 weeks). Parent/carer must collect from a Deputy Headteacher - Complete Phone Ban Issued (meaning the pupil will not be allowed to bring a mobile phone onto the school site). C5 suspension issued, including return to school social time restrictions for one week.

* Stages 3 and 4 will involve a 90 minute session where pupils will read, carry out tasks and conduct research on the potential detrimental effects of excessive mobile phone usage.

Refusing to hand the phone over or refusal of a search will be a C5 consequence (as a prohibited item, if a pupil is thought to be in possession of a phone, a search will be carried out unless the phone is handed over). The phone will then need to be handed over in the reintegration meeting to school staff and kept for the relevant time frame as applicable above.

Please note that the lockable phone pouch will be expected to be returned to the school upon permanently leaving The Broxbourne School as it is school property. Failure to carry this out will result in privileges being removed and repaying the cost of the pouch.

Pupils in the Sixth Form will not be issued with pouches. However, they will only be able to use their phones in designated sixth form areas of the school. These are:

  • The sixth form common room
  • The sixth form silent study area

Pupils will be able to use headphones or ear pods with their work devices. Failure to comply with these expectations will result in the consequences being applied as detailed in the above table. However, if stage two is reached there will be a compulsory additional sanction of using a phone pouch while in school for one week. Pupils will need to unlock their pouch at the school exits before departure and return the pouch after one week.