Northampton school rolls out lockable phone pouches during lessons
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s initiative aims to enhance student focus and safety
A Northampton school is moving closer to becoming a phone‑free environment after receiving funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC).
Wootton Park Academy Trust has been awarded £4,500 by PFCC Danielle Stone to help part‑fund signal‑blocking, lockable phone pouches for students aged 11 to 16.
Around 900 pupils will be given their own pouch, which they can carry with them throughout the school day but will not be able to access until the end of lessons.
The school says the move will allow students to be fully present in the classroom, without distractions from notifications, filming or social media.
The funding was secured through the Commissioner’s Safe and Sound Communities Fund, which supports projects focused on children, women and young people, with grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 available.
Stone said in a statement: “I’m pleased to be supporting Wootton Park School’s zero‑phone policy because I believe in their approach to managing classroom environments to help children feel safe.
“Preventing harm starts with safeguarding how children feel emotionally to prevent longer‑term psychological harm.
“By regulating phone use, the school is giving our young people the best possible chance of success and improved wellbeing.”
Wootton Park Academy Trust already operates a zero‑phone policy, but says enforcement has been inconsistent due to covert phone use.
The Trust said its own research showed 81% of parents and 93% of teachers surveyed agreed mobile phones are a significant distraction in lessons and should be restricted.
The approach follows Department for Education guidance encouraging schools to operate phone‑free environments to support focused learning.
Chief Executive and Executive Headteacher Dan Rosser said in a statement: “This project is about giving our young people the best possible chance to succeed.
“By removing the constant pull of mobile phones, we’re creating space for better concentration, stronger relationships and improved wellbeing.
“We’re delighted to have the Commissioner’s support as we take this positive step forward for our school community.”
Students and parents will be informed about how the rollout will work through a series of workshops and assemblies. A review will take place in the final term of the year to gather feedback from parents, students and teachers on any perceived changes in behaviour and wellbeing.