Sixth Form Mobile Phone Use – One Page Guide for Students and Parents 2026

This guide explains the school’s approach to mobile phone use in the Sixth Form. It is designed to support independence while maintaining high standards of behaviour and safeguarding across the school.

Who this applies to

• This guidance only applies only to Sixth Form students (Years 12 and 13).
• Different rules apply to students in lower year groups.

Where phones can be used

• Mobile phones may be used only in the designated Sixth Form area (for example, the Sixth Form Room or Sixth From Office).
• Phones must not be used elsewhere on the school site, including corridors, classrooms, or shared spaces used by younger students.

Why phones are allowed in a designated area

The school recognises that Sixth Form students are preparing for life beyond school. Allowing limited phone use:
• Supports independent study, organisation, and communication
• Reflects the greater maturity expected of post-16 students
• Mirrors expectations in sixth form colleges, universities, and workplaces
• Ensures Sixth Form students model positive behaviour by keeping phones out of sight elsewhere

Behaviour and expectations

Students must ensure mobile phones are used:

• Responsibly, respectfully, and legally
• Without causing disruption to others
• Never to film, photograph, or sharing content without permission

• With the understanding staff may challenge phone use at any time

What happens if expectations are not met?

• Misuse of mobile phones will be dealt with in line with the whole-school Behaviour Policy
• Repeated or serious misuse may result in sanctions or removal of phone privileges within Sixth Form

Consistency

The school’s approach is clear, limited, and consistently applied. This ensures expectations are understood by students, staff, and parents, and meets requirements where exceptions to phone restrictions are permitted.

Review

This guidance will be reviewed regularly and updated if national guidance changes.