With effect from Monday 29 June 2026 the Government policy is that pupils must not access or use their mobile phones in school. The exception being Sixth Form pupils who may use their phone in the Sixth Form area only.

Our Behaviour policy clearly states that pupils must switch their phones off (not airplane mode) before entering the College site and must not use their phones in school or on Edge Hill [before or after school].

If they fail to do this then their phone will, in the first instance, be confiscated for five school days.

Additional measure

From September 2026 every pupil in Years 7-11 will be required to install Blackout App on any smart phone that they bring to school. This App is free  and works on Android and Apple phones.

This is to ensure that pupils are not accessing social media or any other apps on their phones while in school (in line with Government policy). The app works on the basis of preventing access to any app on a smart phone, other than emergency access to calls or texts.

Pupils will still have full access to their phone on the way to and from school as the restrictions implemented by the app are only for the duration of the school day (8.25am-3.10pm).

The Blackout App is created by Blackout Technologies who are committed to work with schools, parents and pupils to help educate pupils to develop better digital habits beyond school. Further information for parents is available below as well as this link to their website.

The app is linked to the pupil’s school email address and takes very little data from the phone.  All of the required permissions and how the app works are explained on the company’s website. The app does not track any use of the phone or the phone itself.

The school will be able to monitor whether the app is on and will be alerted if it is removed or closed. We will follow up any issues with the pupil directly.

If a pupil brings a smart phone into school without the app installed or the app is switched off/removed for no valid reason we will confiscate the phone and only return it to parents.

There is a facility to temporarily close the app for a valid reason, for example when a pupil has to leave school for a medical appointment.

Our current policy of pupil phones being switched off in school will remain in place alongside the use of the app.