Updates to Mobile Phone and Uniform Policies

As we prepare for the new academic year, I am writing to inform you about important updates to our Mobile Phone Policy and Uniform Expectations, which will come into effect from September 2026.

Mobile Phone Policy

In line with Department for Education guidance, Swanshurst School will operate as a phone-free environment. However, this decision is about far more than compliance with statutory guidance. Our primary concern is the wellbeing, mental health, safety and academic success of all students. Research and experience show that reducing access to mobile phones during the school day helps improve concentration, reduces distractions, promotes positive social interactions and protects young people from the pressures associated with social media.

Students may bring a mobile phone to school for their journey to and from school, but it must be switched off before entering the school gates and kept out of sight in their bag throughout the school day.

For the avoidance of doubt, this expectation applies to all personal electronic devices capable of communication, recording, internet access or media playback, including but not limited to:

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches and other internet-enabled watches
• Earphones, earbuds and AirPods
• Headphones
• Tablets and similar personal devices

These items must not be used, seen or heard anywhere on the school site unless a specific exemption has been authorised by the school.

Spot Checks and Searches

To ensure that our expectations are applied consistently and fairly, the school will carry out periodic spot checks throughout the academic year.

These checks may involve students being asked to demonstrate that they are complying with the school's mobile phone expectations. Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a student has unacceptable content or they become part of an investigation, staff may conduct a search of their device in accordance with the Department for Education's guidance on Searching, Screening and Confiscation and the school's Behaviour Policy.

All searches and confiscations will be undertaken respectfully, proportionately and in line with statutory guidance. We ask parents and carers to support the school in ensuring that students understand and comply with these expectations at all times.  

Recognition of Positive Compliance

We are proud that the vast majority of students follow school expectations every day. Spot checks are intended to support a calm, focused and disruption-free learning environment, and we recognise the positive contribution made by students who consistently adhere to these expectations. Where spot checks demonstrate high levels of compliance, year groups and individual students may be recognised through the school's rewards systems. We believe it is important to celebrate students who demonstrate responsibility, integrity and a commitment to maintaining a positive learning culture.

To ensure consistency, the following sanctions will apply:

• First incident: Phone confiscated until collected by a parent/carer and a 60-minute pastoral detention.
• Second incident: Phone confiscated for 24 hours, parent/carer collection required and a 90-minute Leadership Detention.
• Third incident: Phone confiscated for four weeks, parent/carer meeting and further sanctions in line with the Behaviour Policy.
• Serious incidents, including cyberbullying, sharing inappropriate content, causing distress to others or damaging the reputation of the school, will result in the phone being confiscated for the duration of the investigation and may involve further sanctions and external agencies where appropriate.

Uniform Updates

We have also made some updates and clarifications to our uniform expectations to ensure consistency across the school.

A full guide to acceptable uniform, including photographs and examples, is available on the school website: www.swanshurst.org.

Parents, carers and students are expected to review this guidance carefully before purchasing or wearing items to school. The website guidance should be used as the definitive reference point to avoid any doubt or ambiguity regarding what is and is not permitted.

• Trousers and skirts must be of a suitable school style; stretchy materials are not permitted.

• All footwear must be plain black, leather or leather-look, including trainer-style shoes. Fabric trainers, canvas shoes, Crocs and footwear with visible air bubbles are not permitted.
• One plain stud in each ear and one small nose stud are permitted. Nose rings and hooped earrings are not allowed. Students may also wear one discreet ring, a watch (not a smart watch) and one discreet necklace. Bracelets are not permitted.
• Make-up, nails and hair should present a natural appearance. False nails are not permitted, and eyelashes are only permitted in Year 11 if they are natural in appearance.

We recognise that there may be occasions when families experience difficulties in obtaining the correct uniform. Students who have a uniform concern should report to their Year Team Office or the Pupil Support Hub before the start of the school day, where support can be provided, including access to loan items where appropriate. We encourage families to contact us if additional support is needed, and we will always seek to work positively with parents and carers to ensure students can meet our expectations.

Yours sincerely,

 

Mrs S. Fletcher
Deputy Headteacher