Locking away phones. Unlocking potential
Cheshire is leading the way in creating phone-free school environments which support young people to learn, focus and thrive without the pressures of constant digital distraction.
The ambitious initiative aims to make Cheshire the first county in the UK where every state high school is phone-free during the school day. Setting a new national standard for education and wellbeing.
A new national online buying portal has launched which helps schools purchase the pouches, in a simple and easy way, at competitive prices.
Inspired by change, driven by community
The movement builds on the momentum of the national Phone-Free Education campaign, launched in Parliament in 2025 by Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was tragically murdered in 2023.
Esther’s campaign calls for a future where schools are safe spaces. Free from the pressures and risks of online life.
The idea
Students place their phone in secure, lockable pouches at the start of the school day and unlock them when they leave.
This simple change leads to:
- Fewer distractions in lessons
- Reduced online bullying and harmful exposure
- Improved engagement in school life
Leading the way
75% of secondary state schools are already moving towards implementation, with many seeing first-hand the benefits of a consistent, enforceable approach to mobile phone use.
This progress is being accelerated by strong leadership and investment. Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner has committed £150,000 to support schools, alongside a £250,000 personal donation from the Duke of Westminster. This has helped to remove financial barriers, enabling more schools to adopt phone-free systems.
Why this matters
Mobile phones are a constant presence in young people’s lives. But during the school day, they can create:
- Distractions that impact learning
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
- Increased risks around online bullying and safeguarding
- Pressure from being constantly connected
While many schools have “out of sight” policies, these can be difficult to enforce consistently. Lockable phone pouches provide a simple, effective solution that works for every pupil, every day.
The impact we’re seeing
Evidence from schools already using phone-free systems shows clear and measurable results:
- Significant improvements in wellbeing, focus and safety
- Dramatic reductions in online safeguarding incidents
- Improved behaviour and reduced exclusions
- Stronger academic outcomes, including improved GCSE results
This is not about removing distractions. It’s about creating the right conditions for young people to succeed.
Birchwood Community High School results
Want to know more?
Information for schools
See the benefits of having phone pouches, work out your costings, download the communication toolkit and access the online buying portal.
Information for parents / carers
Find out more about the phone-free education programme, the benefits and a list of FAQs.
Information for local leaders
Find out more about the strategic importance of phone-free education for Cheshire and how you can play a role.
Latest news
Cheshire PCC leads the way, making it easier for schools nationwide to go phone-free
Cheshire is leading the way in creating distraction-free classrooms, with three quarters of its state high schools now either using or planning to introduce lockable phone pouches.
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