All GDST schools to be mobile phone-free environments from September

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST)  has announced that all 25 of its schools will be mobile phone-free environments from September 2026 for pupils up to Year 11.

The new policy provides a clear and consistent approach to mobile phone usage during the school day and builds on current guidance and practices, with many GDST schools already operating mobile phone-free environments by providing a locker system or secure pouches for pupils.

Dr. Philip Purvis, Director of Education at the GDST, commented: “All GDST schools already strongly advise against mobile phone usage during the school day. However, there is a growing body of research showing the potential harms of mobile phones and social media use, along with recent large-scale studies highlighting the specific impact on teenage girls, from addiction to poor mental health and wellbeing. Taken together, the evidence points to the need for practical measures to protect young people from these potential long-term risks.”

The policy echoes important national developments, including a recent announcement from the government to implement a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools in England.

Dr. Philip Purvis continues: “The GDST approach reflects both the strengthened national position and our shared responsibility with GDST families to promote calm, focused learning environments, positive behaviour, and strong pupil wellbeing. The new policy reinforces what many schools, parents and studies already recognise about the benefits of  phone-free school days and we are confident that reducing access to mobile phones plays an important role in supporting girls to thrive.”

The GDST will be working closely with head teachers across its 25 schools to ensure the policy is implemented effectively in time for September in line with each school’s unique environment. Arrangements for Sixth Form students will continue to reflect their increased independence and maturity, however, any access to mobile phones will remain clearly defined, limited in time and location, and grounded in the school’s behaviour policy.

Commenting on the practical solutions that have been put in place to create a positive, mobile phone-free environment, Allison Saunders, Head of Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST said: “We have been using Yondr pouches for a year to support a mobile phone-free environment and they have been transformative for our school. Students are more focused on learning and connecting with one another when on the school site, and we have eliminated ambiguity around expectations. For our staff, the pouches enable more consistent implementation of our phone policy and a reduced need for behavioural interventions relating to phones.”