Phone Pouches

At Uppingham Community College, we are committed to creating a calm, focused and disruption-free learning environment. As part of this commitment, we operate the HUSH phone pouch system across the school.

The rationale behind HUSH is simple: mobile phones, while useful outside of school, can be a significant distraction to learning, wellbeing and social interaction during the school day. By securing phones in pouches, we remove the temptation to check messages, access social media or engage in online conflict, allowing students to fully engage in lessons and build positive relationships with peers and staff.

How the system works
All students are issued with a HUSH pouch. On arrival each morning, students are expected to switch off their phone, place it inside the pouch and secure it using the locking system provided before entering the school gates. The pouch remains in the student’s possession throughout the day but cannot be opened until the end of the school day, when it is unlocked at designated stations outside the school gates.

Expectations
We expect all students to:

• Bring their HUSH pouch to school every day or leave their phone at home

• Ensure their phone is secured in the pouch before the start of the school day

• Keep the pouch safe and in good condition

• Follow staff instructions regarding the use of the system at all times

Failure to follow these expectations will be treated in line with the school’s behaviour policy.

Lost, damaged or forgotten pouches
If a pouch is lost, damaged or forgotten, students must report this to a member of staff at the start of the day. If a student forgets their pouch, the phone must be handed in to student services on arrival at school and can be collected at the end of the day. Where loss or damage has occurred, a replacement pouch can be purchased for £8 from student service or on the MCAS app.

Exceptional circumstances
We recognise that there may be rare occasions where a student needs access to their phone during the school day. In these cases, arrangements must be agreed in advance with the school. Students should not attempt to open their pouch independently.

By working together to uphold the HUSH system, we create a safer, more focused and more respectful environment where all students can thrive.

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.

Our Mobile Phone Policy can also be found in our Ready to Learn Policy.

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