Enfield secondary school reveals positive impact of phone-free policy

Pupils at Chace Community School put their phones into a sealed pouch at the start of each day

At Chace Community School were (from left) headteacher Tanya Douglas, Omari Green (Enfield young mayor), head student Absa Thiam and London Assembly member Joanne McCartney

An Enfield secondary school leading the way on restrictions around mobile phone usage has revealed the positive impact the policy has had.

Chace Community School in Churchbury Lane recently welcomed school leaders from across North London to see how its fully phone-free approach is improving focus, behaviour and wellbeing.

The event was also attended by London Assembly member Joanne McCartney and Enfield North MP Feryal Clark.

Guests observed the school’s morning arrival and pouching process, before hearing from staff and pupils about how their approach is working in practice.

The event comes as new government guidance states that schools should operate as phone-free environments throughout the whole school day, with many schools now reviewing how to implement policies that meet both government and Ofsted expectations.

Since last September, Chace Community School has used ‘Yondr’ pouches to create a consistent, whole-school approach to phone-free learning.

Pupils keep their phones with them, secured in a pouch, which is locked on arrival and unlocked at the end of the school day. This allows the school to remove access to phones during the day without requiring pupils to hand in their devices.

Staff say the pouches have made the school’s phone-free policy easier to manage consistently, reducing the need for teachers to check phone use and giving them more time to focus on teaching, learning and pastoral support.

Pupils have described being more engaged in lessons and having better face-to-face interactions with classmates and teachers, while parents have also reported positive changes at home, including fewer conflicts over phone use.

Tanya Douglas, headteacher at Chace Community School, said: “This year, we introduced Yondr pouches, and this one single policy change has been transformational for our school. The introduction of a clear and consistent system around mobile phones has created calmer corridors, more purposeful classrooms, and a greater sense of focus across the school day.

“Staff report significantly fewer negative interactions and conflicts linked to phone confiscations, allowing relationships with students to remain more positive. We have also seen a noticeable reduction in students requesting to leave lessons to go to the toilet, as well as fewer incidents of social media-related issues during the school day.

“Staff and parents have strongly supported the approach, recognising the positive impact it has had on behaviour, concentration, and wellbeing. Importantly, many students do themselves acknowledge that the removal of mobile phone distractions has improved their focus, increased engagement in lessons, and supported stronger learning habits both inside and outside the classroom.”

Graham Dugoni, CEO and founder of Yondr, said: “Events like this demonstrate the growing momentum behind phone-free schools in the UK. School leaders are recognising that creating these focused, distraction-free environments helps build a culture where pupils can truly connect with their learning and each other.”

Chace Community School is currently undergoing construction of its new main school building, which is due to be completed by this September.

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