At Sackville School, we believe young people need space to focus, build genuine friendships and be fully present.
Since 2023, our mobile phone-free school day has created an environment where pupils can learn, socialise and develop without the constant distraction of smartphones. Staff have seen first-hand the positive difference this can make to wellbeing, relationships, confidence and engagement in lessons.
As national conversations continue around children's access to social media and the impact of smartphones on young people's lives, Sackville's experience offers a powerful insight into what can happen when pupils are given meaningful time away from their devices.
Our approach has also attracted wider attention and was recently featured in local press, highlighting the positive impact Sackville's phone-free school day has had on pupil wellbeing, relationships and engagement.
Phone-Free Since 2023
Sackville introduced its mobile phone-free school day in 2023, recognising the growing impact that smartphones and social media were having on young people's wellbeing, concentration and relationships.
Originally introduced by Deputy Head Kate Kirkpatrick, the initiative has continued to evolve under the leadership of Headteacher Leoni Ellis and remains a central part of our commitment to pupil wellbeing.
The approach is simple: during the school day, pupils are given genuine space away from their phones.
Space to focus on learning. Space to talk. Space to build friendships. Space to be present.
Since introducing the policy, staff have observed calmer break times, more face-to-face conversation, increased social interaction, improved lesson engagement and a stronger sense of community throughout the school.
More Face-to-Face Interaction. Greater Focus.
One of the most noticeable changes has been the way pupils interact throughout the school day. Without the constant pull of notifications, messages and social media, break times and lunchtimes become opportunities for genuine conversation, laughter and connection.
Removing mobile phones from the school day also creates an environment with fewer distractions and greater opportunities for pupils to focus fully on learning, contribute to discussions and solve problems together.
"One of the greatest benefits has been seeing pupils simply talking to one another again. Break times and lunchtimes are filled with conversation, laughter and genuine interaction. These everyday moments are vital to young people's social and emotional development." -Leoni Ellis, Headteacher
Not Anti-Technology. Pro-Balance.
Our approach is not about rejecting technology. Technology plays an important role in education, future careers and modern life.
Instead, we believe young people should be supported to develop a healthy and balanced relationship with their devices.
Young people today are growing up in a world of constant notifications, updates and digital stimulation. By removing mobile phones from the school day, Sackville creates a valuable break from that constant digital pull and more opportunities for pupils to concentrate, build confidence and develop real-world social skills.
"This has never been about being anti-technology. It is about helping young people develop a healthy relationship with their devices and ensuring school remains a place where they can focus, learn and grow." -Leoni Ellis, Headteacher
An Approach Attracting Wider Interest
Sackville's mobile phone-free school day has attracted wider political and media interest, including a visit from local MP Tom Tugendhat, who met staff and pupils to learn more about the impact of the policy on school culture and wellbeing.
The school's approach has also been featured in the media as the national conversation around young people's use of smartphones and social media continues to grow.
For us, however, the greatest measure of success is found in the everyday moments across our school: pupils talking together at break, engaging fully in lessons, solving problems collaboratively and building the confidence to communicate face to face.
A School Where Every Child Is Known
Our mobile phone-free school day reflects Sackville's wider educational philosophy: creating an environment where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.
As an independent co-educational school in Hildenborough for pupils aged 11 to 18, Sackville combines small class sizes, individual attention and strong pastoral care with an education designed to help young people grow in confidence, independence and ambition.
"Our experience shows that when young people are given opportunities to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with each other, the benefits are significant." -Leoni Ellis, Headteacher
See the Difference for Yourself
Choosing a school is about much more than what you can read online. It is about experiencing the atmosphere, meeting the teachers and pupils, and seeing whether it feels like the right environment for your child.
We invite families to visit Sackville, explore our school, meet our staff and pupils, and discover how our personal approach to education helps young people thrive.
Come and experience a school with more conversation, stronger connections and space for every child to flourish.
Read more about Sackville's phone-free school day and its impact on pupils in our recent local press coverage
Book your place at an Open Day or arrange a personal visit to Sackville School here.