When pupils step into a classroom free from smartphone distractions, something remarkable happens. Attention sharpens, playground conversations thrive, and teachers are able to focus entirely on delivering great lessons with the digital tools that actually enrich learning.
The Department for Education (DfE) updated its guidance on mobile phones in schools, making it statutory law for state-funded primary and secondary schools from 1 September 2026. The mandate is clear: all schools in England must operate as mobile phone-free environments by default throughout the whole school day.
Below, we have pulled together what the statutory guidance requires, highlighted practical advice to help your school prepare, and explored how the right physical storage tools can deliver total classroom confidence.
The statutory guidance sets a firm expectation across state education. From September 2026, personal mobile phone access must be restricted from the moment pupils arrive on site until they leave the school gates.
Key expectations include:
Covering the whole school day: Restrictions apply during lessons, room changes, breaktimes, and lunchtimes.
All personal smart technology: The rule covers personal smartphones, smartwatches, and non-educational portable devices capable of social messaging, internet access, or recording.
Protecting medical and SEND needs: Schools must make reasonable adjustments for pupils who rely on mobile technology to manage health conditions (such as diabetes glucose monitors) or specific learning requirements.
Modelling good habits: Staff (and parents) should lead by example by keeping personal phones out of sight around pupils.
The goal is simple: remove personal devices so learners can focus, socialise, and make the most of approved classroom tools without notification fatigue.
Switching to a mobile-free environment works best when rules are transparent and routines are effortless.
Update your behaviour policy early
Incorporate the mobile phone rule directly into your main behaviour and safeguarding frameworks. Make consequences clear, fair, and consistent across all year groups so staff feel supported when enforcing rules.
Ensure parents are well-informed
Communicating early with families prevents confusion. Reassure parents they can always reach their children during the day through the main school office. When families understand how removing social media distractions supports mental wellbeing and concentration, they become your strongest supporters.
Choose a simple, secure storage system
A policy is only as effective as the daily routine behind it. Whether pupils store devices in a central location or keep them locked in their bags, having reliable physical equipment eliminates lost learning time at registration.
At RM, we deliver straight-forward, transparent solutions for all schools. We partner with schools for the long term, helping you implement practical storage systems that keep personal devices safe so learning takes centre stage.
Here are four solutions from RM that might help:
|
Storage Type |
Solution |
Best For |
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Premium 36-/40-Bay Lockers |
These lockers will safely store students’ mobile phones in a compact, high quality, secure steel cabinet, with lockable front doors and ventilated individual bays. |
|
|
Compact 10- / 5-Bay Storage |
Securely charging and storing up mobile devices or tablets, ideal for SEND or medical exception devices. |
|
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Pupil-Held Pouches |
Schools preferring pupils to keep property in their bag Phones are locked at registration and stay secure all day. |
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Pouch Unlocking Key |
JLC Smart Pouch – Magnet key |
Quick unlocking at school gates or reception exits at the end of the day to keep foot traffic moving smoothly. |
Explore our compliance solutions for the mobile phone ban by visiting our Phone lockers and storage page on the RM store.
Creating a mobile phone-free school is about giving time, focus, and peace of mind back to young people - ensuring technology in the classroom is always intentional, safe, and learning-focused.
RM understands what it takes to make school infrastructure work without fuss. We're happy to help and advise if you need more support. Get in touch today to ensure your establishment is ready for the new academic year.