A Wigan borough school hosts a phone-free summit to demonstrate how the policy is reaping rewards there
A Wigan borough high school has held a summit to demonstrate to other local teachers and pupils how beneficial the banning of mobile phones from the classroom since the policy was adopted
A Wigan borough school welcomed education sector representatives from across Greater Manchester to see how its fully phone-free approach is improving student focus, behaviour and wellbeing.
Attendees at Fred Longworth High in Tyldesley saw the student arrival and pouching process, followed by presentations on how the school’s phone-free approach is working in practice.
It comes as new government guidance states that schools should operate as phone-free environments throughout the whole school day, with many now exploring how to implement phone policies that will comply with government and Ofsted requirements.
Staff and students shared their experiences of the change, with the school reporting improved focus in lessons.
Since October 2025, Fred Longworth High has used Yondr pouches, allowing students to keep their phones with them while preventing access during the school day by temporarily blocking signals.
The pouches are locked on arrival and unlocked at the end of the day, creating a clear approach that is applied consistently across the school, reducing the need for staff to check phone use throughout the day.
Staff report that the change has aligned the system with its policy to become completely phone-free.
Teachers and staff report having more time to focus on learning and support rather than policing phone use.
Students described engaging more in lessons and having better face-to-face interaction with their classmates and teachers.
Parents have also noted positive changes at home, including fewer conflicts over phone use.
Headteacher Paul Davies said: “The positive impact of going phone-free has been remarkable, and today’s event has been a valuable opportunity to share the benefits we’ve seen at Fred Longworth High School with other schools in the region and the wider community.
“Students and parents have told us that there have been tangible improvements in many areas of daily life as a result of going phone-free, not just in school.”
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.”