From 03/09/2026, Dorset Studio School will be a phone-free environment and the introduction of Secure Lockable Phone Pouches.

Our school is a phone-free space to improve teaching, safeguarding and learning using a secure lockable phone pouch system. This is in line with the latest Department for Education guidelines which make clear schools must be phone free.  

These systems have been implemented in thousands of schools across 35 countries to facilitate an engaged and safer learning environment. Local schools to us have successfully implemented the same systems and we are confident the secure lockable phone pouches will have a positive impact here as well.

We fully recognise that mobile phones have many useful features. However, we have also seen that learning, engagement and social interactions improve significantly when students are fully focused on their lessons and peers.

How the system works:

• Your child will be provided with a pouch, this must be brought into school daily as part of their equipment.
• Their phone will be locked inside the pouch under the supervision of a teacher or form tutor.
• Students will keep the locked pouch with them throughout the school day.
• At the end of the day, the pouch will be unlocked at a station or by a member of staff.
• Pouches remain with the student at all times, it is their responsibility.  If it is damaged or lost then a replacement will need to be purchased.

The pouches use signal-blocking technology, preventing any access to mobile phones during the school day. This approach ensures a consistent, fair and distraction-free learning environment for all.

Behaviour Policy and Expectations:

This is a whole-school policy with no exceptions.
If a student:

• Fails to use a pouch or attempts to bypass the system (e.g. uses a second phone or a smartwatch), they will receive a sanction.
• Damages or tampers with a pouch, parents will require to purchase a replacement, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.
• Repeatedly breaches the policy, they will face escalating consequences.

We ask for your full support in reinforcing this with your child at home. The policy is about creating a calmer, safer school – not punishing phone use outside of school hours.

National Survey Results (900+ Schools):

• 65% saw improved academic performance
• 74% reported better student behaviour
• 83% saw greater classroom engagement
• 86% noticed improvements in student safety and wellbeing

As always, If there is an emergency and you would like to get in contact with your child, please contact the school office.

To purchase a new pouch please use the link https://store.schoolphonepouch.co.uk/dorset or QR code