First mobile-free school launches in town

Leaders of a secondary school have announced they are banning mobile phones to help pupils improve their concentration.

From June, Sheldon School will ask students to place their phones in lockable pouches during classroom hours - making it the first school in Chippenham, Wiltshire, to introduce a smartphone ban.

Head teacher Peter Lynch said "every buzz" of a phone can pose a distraction, adding: "We're expecting an improvement in concentration in lessons, in attainment levels of students at GCSE and A-Levels and on mental health."

Year 11 student Lucy, who supports the idea, said: "Perhaps other schools might be influenced... and might put them [phones] in pouches as well."

Under the new rules, sixth form students will still be able to use phones in their common room and learning areas.

The move comes as the government has announced it will introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England.

MK, a Year 11 student, said she was in shock when she first heard about the new policy.

"Telling some of my friends, it was a bit of a negative reaction. But after hearing more about the reason why and the impact it could have later on, I've seen it's more helpful," she said.

Fellow Year 11 pupil Charlie added: "It removes the temptation of wanting to grab your phone and check your messages."

Mark Lister, languages teacher and parent, said the ban has to be enforced "for everyone's good".

He said: "I don't see it as a punishment for kids, I just see it as a good thing really to help them focus."

Lister said phones can be a distraction for young people when they could be "socialising in an outside space or having a face-to-face chat".

Lisa Pullin, a parent of children in Year 9 and Year 11, said: "I am fully in support of it. I know how distracting phones can be from my own perspective."

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