Make sure pupils don't ever use phones at school, Phillipson tells teachers
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has sent a directive to all schools in England stating they should be "phone-free" for the entire school day. This means students should not use their devices during lessons, break times, or lunch, even for educational tasks like research or as calculators.
The new guidance, sent on 26 January 2026, aims to end the "postcode lottery" of different rules across the country. To ensure schools follow these rules, the watchdog Ofsted has been given new powers to inspect phone policies during every visit starting in April 2026. Schools that do not enforce the ban effectively could see their inspection grades affected.
Key Points of the New Guidance
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Total Ban: Phones should be out of sight from the moment students arrive until the end of the day.
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Lead by Example: Teachers and staff have been advised not to use their own phones for personal reasons in front of pupils.
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Support for Schools: Those struggling to implement the ban will get help from "Attendance and Behaviour Hubs"—schools that already have successful phone-free policies.
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Exceptions: Adjustments will still be made for students with special educational needs (SEN) or medical conditions that require a device.
Why is this happening?
The government is concerned about the impact of screen time on children's attention spans and mental health. Recent data showed that 58% of secondary school pupils were still using phones without permission during lessons. The move also follows a wider national conversation about potentially banning social media for all children under 16, a consultation that launched earlier this month.
While many parents and headteachers have welcomed the clarity, some teaching unions have criticised the use of Ofsted to "police" the policy. They argue that school leaders need practical support and funding rather than the threat of a "heavy-handed" inspection.
