Important Update: Smartphone Free from September 2026
We are notifying all parents of an important update regarding the use of mobile phones, smartwatches, and other internet-enabled devices for pupils at The King’s School.
We have always been completely phone free in our primary classes. Following new government guidance for schools, and under the advice of supportive organisations such as PAPAYA and Smartphone Free Childhood, we are announcing that we will be Smartphone Free across the whole school from September 2026. This change includes any internet enabled devices (i.e. smart watches).
From September 2026:
- Smart Phones and Smart Devices (including smartwatches) are prohibited: Pupils must not bring smartphones, smartwatches, or any similar non school managed internet-enabled device onto the school site at any time, nor carry or use them during the school day (this includes storing them in lockers, lessons, breaktimes, and lunchtimes).
- Confiscation: Any prohibited device seen or heard on school premises will be immediately confiscated by staff and will only be returned to a parent or carer.
- Basic Phones for Travel: Any senior pupils who need to bring in a phone for safe travel will need to bring in a basic/”brick” non smart phone. These phones should have no internet access, no camera functionality. Permitted brick phones must be switched off and stored securely in their school bag for the entire school day. Another alternative for parents to use is an ‘air tag’ which can be stored discreetly within their child's bag.
- Exceptions: Any exception to this policy for specific medical or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) will be formally agreed in advance with the Headteacher, and linked to a written Healthcare Plan or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Phone use has been restricted at The King's School for many years as we have been leading up to becoming smartphone free. The success of our final shift will be greatly supported by the full partnership of our parent community. We ask for your support by:
- Delaying Smartphone Access: We strongly encourage you to delay giving your child a smartphone for as long as possible.
- Supporting the Rules: Please ensure your child understands the new policy and does not bring a prohibited device to school.
- Communication with School: If you need to send an urgent message to your child during the school day, please contact the school office as usual. Staff are in place to ensure any urgent message is relayed promptly. Please do not attempt to contact your child on their personal device.
A list of recommended brick phones can be viewed within the safeguarding pages of the school newsletters and included in the PAPAYA email and slides sent on 8th May.
Whilst this advice is for in school hours, parents considering a phone for their child are urged not to purchase a smartphone. If your child already has a smartphone, please consider replacing it with an alternative.
The critical mass of people supporting an initiative is 25%: if at least 25% of our families do not buy their child a smartphone, the idea of not having a smartphone becomes normalised. This makes the conversation between parents and children so much easier as we lose the ‘but everyone else has one’ dynamic from the argument.
Chromebook Use
As part of wider screen time discussions, we are reviewing how Chromebooks are used across the school to ensure that children are not using them disproportionately. Although homework tasks are set on Google Classroom in senior, the majority of tasks should not require Chromebook use, particularly in Years 7 and 8.
We firmly believe that children need to continue to develop their handwriting skills and to become practised in the art of physical note taking as this helps with the retention of information. There are also many creative ways of learning which do not involve technology. For your ongoing assurance, Chromebooks are heavily monitored in school by our Blocksi platform and there are robust firewalls in place. If you have concerns that your child seems to be spending too long on their Chromebook please contact your child’s tutor.
Mrs Santer
About Us
The King’s School offers independent (private) Christian education for primary and secondary school aged children, 4-16 years, in Fair Oak, Hampshire. Our affordable fees have been recognised by The Telegraph, naming us one of the 'Best Value Private Schools in the UK', receiving a "Very Good" rating in their latest independent review (2025). Our school grounds, easily accessible to Southampton, Romsey, Winchester and the surrounding area, are nestled in a quiet location with a woodland backdrop.
Our vision is to provide quality Christian education, where pupils grow in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man. At The King’s School, pupils enjoy their learning, are encouraged to have high aspirations and to treat others with kindness and respect. Through our Christ centred curriculum, pupils are supported to become secure and happy in who God has made them to be, and to find purpose in their God-given destiny.
Rated EXCELLENT for pupils’ personal development - ISI Inspection 2023
Recognised for EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR and a CULTURE OF KINDNESS - ISI Inspection 2026
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