At City of London School, we recognise that mobile phones are an integral part of modern life. As a school located in the heart of London, many of our pupils travel independently and over significant distances. We understand that mobile phones offer essential connectivity and reassurance during these journeys, supporting safety, independence, and communication with home.
We are equally aware that mobile phones can pose challenges within a learning environment. Unchecked use can distract from learning, impact mental wellbeing, and limit opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Our approach, therefore, is rooted in education and balance — not prohibition, but purposeful boundaries.
During the school day, we create a phone-free environment. Pupils’ mobile phones must be switched off and out of sight, or in a Yondr pouch.
We want our pupils to leave CLS not only academically successful but also digitally literate, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible.
We work actively in partnership with parents to ensure that pupils access and use technology in an age-appropriate, balanced, and safe way.
Our School Values shape the way we manage mobile phone use
- Kind: We expect our pupils to use mobile devices in a way that supports and includes others, never to cause harm, exclude, or harass. Digital kindness is no less important than kindness in person — and both are essential to a respectful school culture.
- Aware:Â We help pupils become thoughtful and informed digital citizens. This means understanding how phone use can affect their attention, relationships, and wellbeing. We teach pupils to reflect on their digital habits and to develop a balanced, mindful approach to technology.
- Ready: We prepare our pupils for the demands of adult life, where managing technology responsibly is a vital skill. Knowing when to use a phone — and when to put it away — is a key part of being ready for university, the workplace, and life beyond school.
Kindness in a Digital Age
To support these aims, our school day is designed to minimise distraction and maximise engagement. Mobile phone use is limited to ensure our pupils remain focused on learning, present in the moment, and connected to those around them.
We trust our older pupils with greater independence, recognising that responsibility grows with maturity. Our Sixth Formers are given more autonomy in designated areas and times – a reflection of their readiness and our commitment to preparing them for life beyond school.
