Two Bracknell schools back plan for total mobile phone ban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 06:01 · Archive

Two secondary schools in Bracknell have welcomed government plans to prevent pupils from having mobile phones during the school day from September 2027.

Two secondary schools in Bracknell have backed proposed government plans to prevent pupils from having mobile phones with them at all during the school day from September 2027. The Department for Education introduced statutory guidance in September 2026 requiring phones to be inaccessible during lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime. The government is now proposing to extend this further by banning phones from school entirely.

At Garth Hill College, headteacher Keith Grainger said the school currently requires pupils to keep phones switched off and out of sight in their bags. The school is now considering storage alternatives including lockers or secure lockable pouches. Mr Grainger said a phased introduction during summer term 2027 may be considered to give pupils, parents and staff time to prepare.

King's Academy Easthampstead Park has given backing to a mandatory national ban. Executive headteacher David Littlemore said the practice of students not having access to phones during the school day has been established there for several years. He said a universal approach would ensure everyone feels fairly treated and eliminate ambiguity. Mr Littlemore said removing phones had improved the learning environment and boosted pupil wellbeing by reducing disputes between students.

How it is being reported

• Two secondary schools back total mobile phone ban for pupilsSchools in Bracknell have welcomed proposed Government plans to further restrict mobile phone use in schools from September 2027.Bracknell News · 15 Nov, 05:00
• Two secondary schools back total mobile phone ban for pupilsSchools in Bracknell have welcomed proposed Government plans to further restrict mobile phone use in schools from September 2027.Reading Chronicle · 15 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Department for Education · Garth Hill College · King's Academy Easthampstead Park · Bracknell · Keith Grainger · David Littlemore

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log