New Mobile Phone and Smart Device Expectations – from September 2026 (Years 7-11)

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3 September 2026

Dear Parent/Carer,

New Mobile Phone and Smart Device Expectations – from September 2026 (Years 7-11)

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 mobile phones and other smart devices must not be used or accessed during the school day.

Why Are We Doing This?

As per our end of year letter (July 2026), the Department for Education has 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:
- o focus on learning,
- o build positive relationships, and
- o 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 plan to introduce phone pouches, which we believe will:

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

The pouch will be treated as an essential item of school equipment and must be brought to school every day.

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

We are continuing to finalise the details of the implementation. However, we can confirm that one pouch will be provided free of charge for every student.

Expectations from 1 September 2026

Students must:

Switch off phones and smart devices before entering school site.
Place them in their school bag (not a trouser or blazer pocket).
Keep them switched off, in their bag and out of sight throughout the school day.
Only turn them on after leaving the school site.

If You Need to Contact Your Child During the School Day

Call Reception: 020 8568 5791 or email: school@isleworthsyon.org.
Students can contact home through reception if needed at break or lunchtime.

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 not switched off in bag (first time)	Confiscation Student collects (same day)
Stage 2	Phone not switched off in bag (second time)	Confiscation Parent/carer collects (same day)
Stage 3	Phone not switched off in bag (third time) or Phone used (first time) or Non-co-operation at stage 1 or 2	Confiscation Parent/carer collects (next day) SLT Detention/Internal Suspension
Stage 4	Phone not switched off in bag (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 son/ward. 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-Headteacher