Mobile phones in schools
Change on 29 June 2026
- Updated on GOV.UK
- Summary added
Guidance became statutory on 29 June 2026; schools should begin following it from 1 September 2026.
In short
The guidance on prohibiting mobile phones in schools has been revised and is now a statutory requirement.
Who this affects: MAT trust boards, proprietors, governing bodies, school leaders, and staff in maintained schools, academies, free schools, non-maintained special schools, and independent schools.
Corrected by HeadteacherChat on 19 October 2026.
GOV.UK’s full note
This guidance on 'Mobile phones in schools' became statutory on 29 June 2026. Schools should begin following it from 1 September 2026.
Support for paid members
Access member next steps and discuss guidance changes with other school leaders.