Phone Pouch Trial - Parent Information

At Uppingham Community College, our shared goal is to create the very best learning environment for every student; one that supports focus, wellbeing, positive relationships and academic success. As part of this commitment, we are introducing a mobile phone pouch system as a supportive initiative, starting with a trial in Year 7, which if successful, will be rolled out to all students from Easter 2026.

What Are We Doing?

From the start of this trial in January 2026, Year 7 students will place their mobile phone into a secure HUSH phone pouch at the beginning of the school day. The pouch will remain locked during the school day and can be unlocked at the end of the day before students leave site.

• Students keep their phone with them at all times

• The pouch is secure and tamper-resistant

• Phones remain accessible after school

• The system supports our existing mobile phone expectations in a more consistent and supportive way

This is a trial initiative, and we will carefully monitor its impact before any decision is made about future wider rollout.

Why Are We Starting with Year 7?

Year 7 is a key transition year where students are:

• Adapting to secondary school routines

• Developing independence and responsibility

• Forming new friendships

• Establishing learning habits that will stay with them throughout school

Introducing the phone pouch system at this stage helps students:

• Build strong focus habits from the outset

• Develop healthy relationships with technology

• Set clear expectations early

• Feel supported rather than sanctioned

Starting with Year 7 also allows us to:

• Trial the system on a smaller scale

• Gather student, staff and parent feedback

• Refine our approach before considering any future expansion

 

Why Are We Introducing This?

We know that mobile phones can be an incredible tool, but we also know that they can be a significant source of distraction, anxiety and conflict during the school day. National research, student voice and parent feedback all tell us the same story:

• Phones impact attention and concentration

• They increase anxiety and social pressure

• They affect sleep, relationships and self-esteem

• They reduce face-to-face communication and social interaction

Our aim is not to punish students for having phones, it is to support them in having the best possible school experience.

 

Key Benefits for Students

Introducing phone pouches will support students in the following ways:

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Reduced pressure from social media during the school day

• Fewer worries about messages, likes and online issues in lessons

• Less anxiety around online conflict, screenshots and group chats

• Improved emotional regulation and resilience

 

Attention & Focus

• Greater focus in lessons

• Improved listening and engagement

• Increased time on learning rather than screens

• Reduced temptation to check notifications

 

Positive Relationships & Social Skills

• More face-to-face interaction with peers

• Stronger friendships built through real conversation

• Increased confidence in social situations

• Reduced incidents linked to online disputes

 

Reduced Distractions Across School

• Calmer classrooms

• Fewer disruptions to learning

• More consistent expectations

• A fair and equal approach for all students

 

About the HUSH Phone Pouch System

We are using the HUSH Mobile Phone Pouch System, which is designed specifically for schools.

Key features include:

• Secure, tamper-resistant locking system

• Students keep their phone with them

• Does not require students to hand phones into staff

• Quick unlocking stations at the end of the day

• Used in schools across the UK

• Proven to improve focus, behaviour and wellbeing

The system allows students to feel safe and reassured that they still have their phone with them, but removes the distraction and pressure of constant access during learning time.

More information can be found on the HUSH website here: Hush Pouch | UK's Leading Lockable Phone Pouches

 

What If Parents Need to Contact Their Child?

We understand that there may be occasions where parents need to contact their child during the school day in an emergency. In these situations, we ask that parents contact the main school reception as normal. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We understand that parents may have further questions about how the system works in practice. 

Please refer to the FAQ document below for answers to the most common questions.

 

Working Together

We firmly believe that this initiative will:

• Support student wellbeing

• Improve learning focus

• Reduce distractions

• Strengthen social interaction

• Create calmer, more productive classrooms

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to give our students the best possible school experience.