Sheldon School is set to become the first phone-free school in Chippenham this June, introducing Yondr pouches to support student wellbeing and learning.
The move follows new Department for Education guidance on mobile phone use in schools and comes after consultation with parents and visits to other schools already using similar systems.
From Term 6, all students will be required to turn off their phones and store them securely in pouches during the school day.
Headteacher Peter Lynch explained that while phones have not been a major issue, they do create ongoing distractions, saying, “Every buzz in a pocket distracts students for several minutes and causes them to miss out on learning. In conversations with headteachers at other schools as well as young people that have used similar pouches, we have heard that the impact is overwhelmingly positive.”
A focus on wellbeing and learning
Evidence from other schools using Yondr pouches suggests wide-ranging benefits.
Data shows 83% of schools reported improved classroom engagement, while 74% saw better behaviour, alongside gains in attendance and social interaction.
Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour and Culture, Jon Scourfield, said, “We are leading on this issue in the local area because we are not happy with the status quo. We want to see our students reach their full potential and we think phones are holding them back.”
Supporting students through the change
The school will work closely with families and students over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
Support will be in place for pupils with SEND or specific medical needs, with appropriate adaptations made where required.
The policy will not apply to sixth form students, although they will be expected to model responsible use by only using phones in designated areas.
Peter Lynch added, “We think this will be a positive change for Sheldon. We are very concerned about protecting the mental health of our students and believe this will show a positive impact on their social, emotional and academic development.”
The new system will be introduced at the start of Term 6 in June 2026.
