A Phone-Free School Day at Thomas Gainsborough School
At Thomas Gainsborough School, we are proud to be a phone-free school throughout the school day. This policy reflects our commitment to creating a calm, focused and respectful learning environment where all students can thrive—socially, emotionally and academically.
What Does “Phone-Free” Mean?
From the moment students arrive on site until they leave at the end of the school day, mobile phones must not be seen or used.
For the purposes of this policy the term mobile phone incorporates all electronic devices such as smart watches, wireless or Bluetooth headphones, gaming devices as well as mobile phones.
Each morning, students will secure their mobile phones and other electronic devices in the provided mobile phone pouch as they enter the school gates. The pouches are stored in students’ bags throughout the school day. At the end of the day, as students leave the school site, they will unlock their pouch and be able to access their device once more.
This system ensures that students have a phone free experience during the school day reduces distractions and allows students to be fully present in school life.
Why Are We Doing This?
Mobile phones today are no longer just communication tools—they are powerful, always-connected devices that can have a serious impact on mental health, wellbeing and learning. Research and data from national surveys show:
- Rising anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep disruption linked to smartphone overuse.
- Distraction in lessons and reduced academic performance due to divided attention.
- Increased exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content online.
- Disrupted social development, as real-life connections are replaced by screen time.
My child is not bringing any devices to school – what do I do?
If your child is not bringing any devices to school, you can let us know by completing the online form available here. By doing so you are asserting that your child will not be bringing a device to school. They will be issued with an exemption card and are required to show this each day to members of staff on duty and in tutor time. Should students with an exemption card be found to have a device a sanction will be applied and the exemption card removed.
Students with Medical Needs
We recognise that some students will need access to their device for medical needs such as monitoring blood sugar levels. In these instances a member of staff will be in touch to discuss arrangements in advance of September. These students will be given a mobile phone pouch that is accessible to ensure they still have access to their device for medical needs.
How Can My Child Contact Me?
We have always expected that parents who need to contact their child should do so via reception by phone or email. The introduction of the pouches does not change this. Our reception is staffed between 8:30am and 4:30pm every day.
Students who need to contact you as parents or carers are encouraged to speak to staff at student services during break, before or after school. Students are not permitted to use their devices during the school day. Doing so would be a breach of the policy and result in an appropriate sanction being applied.
Where Can I Find More Information?
More details can be found in our Mobile Phone Procedures - September 2026, which includes the full guidance on mobile phone use, expectations, and consequences for misuse.
The accompanying Frequently Asked Questions document is also a useful guide to the process and should answer many of the questions you may have about the implementation of the policy. If your question has not been answered via the FAQs then please do contact us via email enquiries@tgschool.net where we will be happy to answer your question.
A video will be available shortly to guide students and parents through the process and how to lock and unlock their pouches.