New Mobile Phone and Smart Device Expectations – from September 2026 (Years 12-13)

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10 September 2026

Dear Parent/Carer,

New Mobile Phone and Smart Device Expectations – from September 2026 (Years 12-13)

From September 2026, Isleworth & Syon School will be mobile phone- and smart device-free for all students in Years 7 to 11. This means that their mobile phones and other smart devices must not be accessed during the school day.

There are also new expectations for Sixth Form students, who are expected to act as role models for younger students in the school.

Why Are We Doing This?

In July 2026, the Department for Education strengthened its expectations regarding the use of mobile phones in schools.
We have always had a strong stance on mobile phone use because we want students to:
- focus on learning,
- build positive relationships, and
- enjoy a distraction-free school environment.
Research, along with our own experience, shows that smartphones can have a negative impact on learning, wellbeing, and social interaction.

Our Approach

Following extensive research, we are introducing phone pouches for Years 7-11, which must be stored in bags. We believe that this will:

Respect families' choices about phone use outside school
Encourage personal responsibility
Remove the temptation to use devices during the school day.

For Years 12 and 13, students will not be required to use pouches. However, phones and smart devices should not be seen or used around the school (except as stated below).

This amended approach reflects the fact that Sixth Formers are expected to be more responsible and independent as they prepare for the wider world.

Please note the following key points:

At break and lunch, phones are allowed, on silent, in the Sixth Form study area only.
Personal devices may be used in lessons with the teacher's permission only.
Personal devices can be used in the Study Room for academic purposes only.
Students are permitted to store their phone in their pocket, unlike Years 7-11 – this is to align with accepted adult behaviour.

Please note that these expectations also apply to smart devices, including wireless earbuds, smart glasses, and other devices that can receive notifications, send messages, or record audio and video.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. Reasonable adjustments will be made for students with medical needs (e.g. diabetes monitoring). Any exception must be agreed in advance and be supported by appropriate evidence or a school healthcare plan.

If the Rules Are Broken

If a student is found with a phone or smart device that is not secured correctly:

The device will be confiscated.
The incident will be recorded.
Consequences will be applied as below:

	Behaviour	Consequence
Stage 1	Phone is seen or heard (first time) or Phone used outside study area (first time)	Confiscation Student collects (same day)
Stage 2	Phone is seen or heard (second time) or Phone used outside study area (second time)	Confiscation Student collects (next day)
Stage 3	Phone is seen or heard (third time) or Phone used outside study room (third time) or Non-co-operation at stage 1 or 2	Confiscation Parent/carer collects (two school days after) Internal Suspension
Stage 4	Phone is seen or heard (fourth or more time) or Phone used outside study room (fourth or more time) or Phone use (repeated/serious) or Serious/repeated non-co-operation	Confiscation Parent/carer collects (after at least one week) Possible fixed-term suspension

Our Commitment

This policy helps create a calmer, safer, and focused environment where students can learn more effectively, feel safer and improve their wellbeing.

What Parents/Carers Can Do

Please discuss these changes with your child. Remind them of the school's expectations. This decision has been made with students' learning, wellbeing, and safety at the forefront, while respecting families' choices around technology outside school.

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Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please email school@isleworthsyon.org.

Yours faithfully,

Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom, Co-Headteachers
Darren West, Head of Sixth Form