Mobile Phone Policy

Following extensive stakeholder consultation, our mobile phone policy for the 2026-27 academic year is summarised below.

This policy is compliant with the DfE Mobile Phones in Schools document (accessible here), which states that schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default and should prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the school day.

We have evaluated our policy in accordance with our duties under the Equality Act 2010. Parents of students with identified Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) who wish to discuss the provision for reasonable adjustments to this policy can contact the team via our email phones@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk  .

Reasonable adjustments may include permitting access to a mobile phone or connected device where necessary to support a disability or medical condition, including but not limited to continuous glucose monitoring and other health-related technologies.  Any such reasonable adjustments must be authorised in writing by Mr Harding, designated Deputy Headteacher following a written parental request via the email address above.

Key Policy Requirements for Students in Years 7-11

Students in Years 7-11 are prohibited from being in possession of a smart phone device at any time whilst on the school site.  Such devices include but are not restricted to the Apple iPhone; Samsung Galaxy; Google Pixel; Motorola Razr or OnePlus models. A smartphone device is usually defined as a mobile phone that can be used as a small computer and that connects to the internet. 

In addition, other ‘smart devices’ are also not permitted. These would include smartwatches, smart glasses or other similarly internet connected devices.

Parents are required to support the school with this key policy position as part of the Home/School Agreement which is signed on student enrolment to the school. When determining whether a device meets the definition of a smartphone or smart device, the judgment of the school in this regard will be considered final.

As a reflection of the school’s particular circumstances, i.e. that many students travel a distance to and from school each day and as a part of a safeguarding duties, Kingsdale students in Years 7-11 are permitted to bring a traditional non-smart phone device (sometimes called a traditional/brick phone).  These devices are characterised by their relatively low monetary value, alongside their basic appearance and functionality.

Acceptable models under this policy include the Nokia 105 or 106 & 110, the Easyfone Prime Ab, the HMD 105 4G, the Maxcom MM135L, the Oakcastle F101 as well as the IMO Dash and Alcatel 10.16.  These devices are available on the 4G network from a range of providers and will remain viable once the 2 & 3G networks are deactivated in the near future. When determining whether a device meets the definition of a traditional/brickphone, the judgment of the school in this regard will be considered final. Parents & guardians are urged to check suitability before proceeding with the purchase of a new phone should there be any ambiguity.

A useful resource linking to acceptable non-smart phone devices can be accessed here.

Students in Years 7-11 are also permitted to bring internet-enabled tracker devices to school, e.g. Apple/Amazon tags, should parents wish to track their child’s journey to and from school in real time. These devices should be stored securely in the child’s bag or on their person during the school day.

Both traditional/brick phone devices and any tracking tags must be registered with the school.  The registration online form can be accessed here.  This process requires provision of a mobile phone’s IMEI number which can usually be accessed by typing *#06# into the home screen.

A registered traditional/brick phone device can be retained on the student’s person during the school day but must be switched off whilst on the school site, i.e. before they enter the premises and kept out of sight, e.g. in a locker or the child’s bag.  The device must only be switched on once the student has left the premises at the end of the school day.

Should a student wish to make contact with a parent during the school day, they should approach the Pastoral Assistant for their year group, who can be located in the Heads of Learning Office.  Alternatively, they should report to the Attendance Office or the main School Reception.  Likewise, a parent who wishes to contact their child during the school day, should do so through the main school number 0208 670 7575 and ask to speak to Reception.  

Mobile phones and other prohibited smart devices may be searched for by authorised school staff in accordance with the school's Behaviour Policy (available here) and the school’s Searching, Screening and Confiscation Policy (available here) which is in line with DfE guidance (available here).

Devices that are used in contravention of these rules or which are found to be unregistered, will be confiscated by staff usually for a period of 3 days. Confiscated devices will only be released when collected by a parent or guardian. It will be at the discretion of the school as to whether particular circumstances allow for a confiscated device to be released to a parent or guardian before the standard three-day confiscation window.

On a fourth or additional occasion of confiscation, the school reserves the right to charge a £50 returnable deposit for the use of a smartphone on-site due to the additional investment of staff time associated with such devices both inside and outside of the school.

Please be advised that the school reserves the right to impose an additional sanction, in line with our published Achievement and Behaviour Policy, where a student refuses to hand over a device when asked to or in cases where the student’s attitude or behaviour towards a member of staff attempting to implement school policy is deemed unacceptable.  This includes passing the device to the police where it is believed there could be evidence of criminal activity.

Key Policy Requirements for Sixth Form Students

Students in the Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) are permitted to bring their smart phones to school and to use them for study purposes but in Sixth Form areas only.  At all other times, these devices must be out of sight and not used, e.g. when moving through the main building.

As with students in Years 9-11, mobile phones and other prohibited smart devices may be searched for by authorised school staff in accordance with the protocols outlined above. Should these devices be used in contravention of the school rules, they will be confiscated in line with the process outlined above for students in Years 7-11.

Requirements for School Staff

Requirements with regard to the staff use of personal mobile phone devices whilst on the school is contained within the school’s Code of Professional Conduct for staff. This includes reference to the expectation that staff should model compliance and avoid personal mobile phone use in front of pupils unless required for school business.