Ormiston Academies Trust operates a wide range of schools across England, including six primary schools and 32 secondary schools, with additional provisions for special needs and alternative education.
In an ambitious and unprecedented move, Ormiston Academies Trust, one of the largest educational bodies in England, is set to impose a ban on mobile phones across its 42 schools, affecting roughly 35,000 pupils.
The decision to enforce a ban on mobile phones during school hours is part of a wider initiative aimed at addressing concerns over students’ behavior, mental health, and the overall learning environment.
This move follows the recent guidance issued by the Department for Education under the Conservative government, which encouraged schools to limit mobile phone usage to minimize distractions and enhance classroom behavior. Ormiston’s decision to eliminate mobile phone access represents a significant step in reshaping how technology and learning intersect in the classroom.
The ban on mobile phones in Ormiston Academies has already been piloted in eight secondary schools, with students and parents providing overwhelmingly positive feedback. The trial allowed the trust to explore different approaches, ranging from partial restrictions to complete bans, with one school already operating entirely phone-free.
The move is part of a broader national and global discussion on the role of smartphones in education and their potential impact on young people’s mental health, behavior, and educational outcomes.
The Rationale Behind the Ban
The decision to implement a ban on mobile phones has been driven by growing concerns over the detrimental effects of smartphone usage on students. According to a spokesperson for Ormiston Academies Trust, “teaching and learning, behavior, and children’s mental health are all impacted negatively by mobile phones.”
There is increasing evidence to support this claim. Numerous studies have shown that unrestricted access to mobile phones during school hours can lead to distractions, with students focusing more on social media or games than their studies. Additionally, the use of mobile phones has been linked to increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and sleep deprivation among young people.
The Department for Education has echoed these concerns, with its recent guidance encouraging schools to curb mobile phone usage during the school day.
The guidance aims to foster a more focused learning environment, reduce disruptions in the classroom, and improve students’ overall behavior. Ormiston Academies Trust’s decision aligns with this national push, reinforcing the idea that learning and behavioral improvements can be achieved by limiting distractions such as mobile phones.
Another critical concern is the impact of mobile phones on students’ mental health. Research has shown that excessive smartphone use, particularly for social media, can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety among young people.
By banning phones during the school day, Ormiston aims to create a healthier learning environment where students are less distracted by the pressures of online life and more engaged in their education and social interactions within the classroom.
The Implementation Process
Ormiston Academies Trust has taken a phased approach to implementing the mobile phone ban, allowing individual schools to adapt the policy based on their unique circumstances.
A spokesperson for the trust emphasized the importance of flexibility, stating, “We want schools to do this at their pace—they are best placed to make the decisions because they know their schools best, and because we want them to take their parent and pupil communities with them.”
This approach acknowledges that each school faces different challenges and needs to consider the concerns of both parents and students in its community.
The eight secondary schools of Ormiston Academies that piloted the policy during the autumn term each adopted different methods to restrict phone access. Some schools opted for complete bans, while others implemented partial restrictions, such as requiring students to lock their phones in pouches during the school day.
The trial allowed schools to assess the effectiveness of these methods and determine which approach best suited their needs. The results were largely positive, with both parents and students reporting improved focus, behavior, and mental well-being as a result of the reduced smartphone use.
At Birkenhead High School Academy, one of Ormiston’s all-through schools, phones have been entirely banned for junior students. The decision came after an internal survey revealed that students as young as seven had been exposed to inappropriate content online and were being contacted by strangers via their devices.
The school already had a policy requiring secondary students to secure their phones in lockers, a measure introduced seven years ago to combat distraction and addiction. Principal Rebecca Mahony explained that although there was initial resistance from parents and students, the policy is now widely accepted, with both groups recognizing the benefits of a phone-free environment.
Support and Concerns from Parents
While many parents support the ban, viewing it as a necessary step to protect their children’s mental health and improve their academic performance, some have expressed concerns about its potential drawbacks. One of the main concerns raised by parents is the issue of safety, particularly during the school commute.
Joe Mayatt, a parent from Hastings, explained that his children rely on their phones to check bus schedules and pay for transportation. While he agrees that phones should not be used during the school day, he believes that banning phones entirely may compromise students’ safety outside of school hours.
Mayatt added, “I’d rather they could get in touch with me at any time. The total ban is dangerous and irresponsible. I agree they shouldn’t be used during the school day, but the school is neglecting their welfare before and after.”
These concerns are echoed by Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, who raised the issue in Parliament. While she acknowledged that parents generally supported limiting phone use at school, she emphasized that they were also worried about their children’s safety on the journey to and from school. This concern highlights the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both academic performance and student safety.
Addressing Medical Needs and Other Exceptions
Another concern raised by parents is the need for exceptions to the ban for students with medical conditions that require mobile phone access.
Sian Jones, a parent from Hertfordshire, shared that her 12-year-old son uses a mobile phone app to monitor his glucose levels for Type 1 diabetes. The app provides real-time data on his glucose levels, allowing him to manage his condition effectively. “The app saves his life every single day. He needs his phone,” she said. Fortunately, Jones’s son’s school has been accommodating, recognizing the importance of the phone for his health and making an exception to the general policy.
This case underscores the need for schools to implement flexible policies that take into account the specific needs of individual students. While the overall goal is to reduce distractions and improve the learning environment, there must be room for exceptions in cases where phones are necessary for medical or other important reasons.
National and Global Context
Ormiston Academies Trust’s decision to ban mobile phones is part of a broader conversation happening across the UK and globally. In the UK, mobile phone use in schools has become a topic of increasing concern, with several multi-academy trusts already implementing similar policies.
Lift Schools, another large trust, has adopted a “no-smartphones” approach in all 57 of its schools. Many of these schools use phone pouches to lock devices away during the school day, ensuring that students focus on their learning without distractions.
Globally, the debate over mobile phones in Ormiston Academies continues to evolve. In France, for example, the government implemented a nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools in 2018, citing concerns over distraction and cyberbullying.
The French policy has been largely successful, with reports indicating that students are more focused and engaged in their studies as a result. Similarly, in Australia, several states have introduced mobile phone bans in schools, with positive outcomes reported in terms of both academic performance and student well-being.
The Future of Mobile Phone Use in Schools
As Ormiston Academies Trust moves forward with its mobile phone ban, it is clear that the issue of smartphones in schools is one that will continue to evolve. While there are undeniable benefits to reducing phone usage during school hours, particularly in terms of improving focus and mental health, there are also valid concerns that need to be addressed.
Ensuring that students can communicate safely with their parents outside of school, accommodating medical needs, and finding a balance between safety and restriction will be key to the long-term success of the policy.
Ultimately, the goal of Ormiston Academies Trust is to create a learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially without the constant distractions of mobile phones.
As more schools of Ormiston Academies across the UK and around the world consider similar measures, the experiences of Ormiston’s schools will likely serve as a valuable case study in the ongoing debate over the role of technology in education.
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