At Becket Keys, we aim to create a calm, focused and respectful environment where every student can flourish. We hold firmly to our Christian values of respect, responsibility and love for one another, as commanded in John 15: “I appointed you to bear fruit – fruit that will last… This is my commandment, that you love one another.”
We recognise that some families appreciate their child carrying a mobile device for safety or ease of contact. However, we are also mindful of the impact that smartphones can have on learning, routines, resilience and wellbeing. Our approach is designed to help students concentrate on their studies, strengthen face‑to‑face relationships, and develop good habits that will serve them long after childhood.
Our Approach to Phones in School
Years 8–13 (Current Students)
Students in Years 8–13 may bring a smartphone to school, provided that both the student and parent agree to uphold the expectations listed below.
Year 7 from September 2026 (New Students)
Students joining Year 7 from September 2026 must not bring smartphones to school. They should:
- leave their smartphone at home, or
- bring a basic “brick” phone for essential calls/texts, and
- comply with the expectations below.
Approved models are:
- Nokia 105, or Nokia 110 or Nokia 225 or Nokia 2660 Flip or Nokia 2323
- Samsung E1170i or Samsung E1200 or Samsung E1270 Flip or Samsung GT-E1150 Flip or Samsung C3590
- TTfone TT190 or TTfone Star TT300 Flip Phone
- Xplora One
- The Phone
This approach will expand year‑on‑year until all Main School students are either leaving smartphones at home or only bringing an approved basic phone.
Students remain responsible for the safe‑keeping of devices unless handed directly to a member of staff.
Expectations for Years 7–11
To preserve a calm atmosphere and keep routines consistent for everyone:
Phones must:
- be switched off before entering the school site
- remain out of sight until 3:10pm
- never be used during the school day (including break and lunchtime) unless under clear staff supervision
- never be used for taking photos, videos or audio recordings without staff permission
- contain only material suitable for viewing in a school setting
- never be used for any act of unkindness, online or offline
If parents need to contact their child urgently during the school day, they should phone the school office and the message will be passed on.
If a member of staff asks for a device due to inappropriate use, it must be handed over immediately and without discussion.
Declaration
Parents are asked to agree to these expectations when completing enrolment paperwork.
Where agreement is
not given, we will assume a phone will not be brought to school.
Failure to meet these expectations will result in the phone being kept safely until the end of the day. The Head of Year will decide any further steps needed to support the student in meeting expectations consistently.
Why This Matters
Research suggests that excessive phone use can affect attention, sleep, emotional wellbeing and the ability to form healthy, resilient habits. By reducing smartphone use in school and encouraging simpler devices for essential contact, we are helping students develop the focus, calm and character that underpin strong learning and strong relationships.
Our aim is healthy formation of character – creating space for thinking, reading, prayer, conversation and growth, so that every student can “bear fruit – fruit that will last” without the peer pressure of having a smartphone device.