Locking away phones. Unlocking potential

Hear from Birchwood High School about how the phone pouches work.

The big idea

Cheshire is setting the standard for the rest of the country.

Under the leadership of Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price, every state high school in Cheshire will become phone-free during the school day — with pupils keeping their devices safely sealed in lockable pouches from the first bell to the last.

This bold initiative will make Cheshire the first county in the UK to roll out lockable phone pouches across all its state high schools — backed by up to £150,000 of funding to help schools make the switch by 2026.

“From a crime prevention perspective, this is an absolute no-brainer. Less online bullying. Less harmful content. Fewer distractions. Fewer exclusions. In Cheshire, we’ve seen the impact this can have — and now we’re leading the way.”
Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire

Join the movement

This is a county-wide call to action. It starts with our schools.

If you’re a headteacher who believes in a phone-free school day, we want to work with you.

Together, we can make Cheshire a place where every young person can learn, focus and thrive — free from the pressures of the digital world.

Schools: Register your interest

How it works

The Cheshire PCC’s Phone-Free Schools Fund is designed to help schools take the leap — and make it last.

The offer:

• Up to £150,000 funding support over two years
• Supporting pupils on free school meals
• Matched funding opportunities from local partners and philanthropic sources

What schools receive:

• Lockable pouches and training for staff and pupils
• Parent communication materials and FAQs
• Expert guidance from schools already using the system
• Peer-to-peer support from within the Cheshire education community

Funding information

Find out more about the initiative and funding that is available.

Inspired by change, driven by community

This campaign builds on the momentum of the national Phone Free Education movement, launched in Parliament in 2025 by Cheshire mum Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna Ghey was tragically murdered in 2023.

Esther’s campaign called for a future where schools are safe spaces — free from the pressures and risks of online life.

“Dan Price is absolutely leading the way, showing real commitment to improving young people’s wellbeing and safety. Lockable phone pouches are a simple step towards creating safer and more focused classrooms. I truly hope other Police and Crime Commissioners across the country follow his lead.”
Esther Ghey, Founder, Phone Free Education