A Suffolk secondary school is set to require its pupils put their phones in lockable pouches.
Bungay High School will roll out mobile phone pouches to its 996 pupils later this term in a move designed to improve their wellbeing.
Under the new system, pupils will be required to place their phones into the lockable pouches when they arrive at school each morning.
These pouches will remain locked for the duration of the school day and can only be opened using special unlocking bases.
The scheme allows youngsters to continue bringing their phones into school and keeping them in their possession, while preventing access during lessons and social time.
The initiative follows updated Department for Education guidance, which states that schools should be mobile phone-free by default.
The government has also indicated that it intends to move towards a mandatory statutory ban through the proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
The cost of introducing the Yondr pouches has been covered by the Bungay Grammar School Fund, enabling the school to provide them to all pupils.
Yondr is a US-based company founded in 2014 and supplies lockable phone pouches used by schools, venues, and organisations worldwide.
Once secured, phones can only be assessed again when the pouch is tapped on a designated unlocking device.
Mrs Chanel Oswich, headteacher at Bungay High School, said: "This is not about taking something away from students; it is about giving them back time, attention, and peace of mind.
"Introducing Yondr pouches allows us to take a practical, evidence-based step to reduce distraction, support students' wellbeing and create calm, focused conditions for learning across the whole school day.
"We are proud to be taking this positive step forward and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our school community."
The school said appropriate exceptions will remain in place for pupils who need access to their phones for medical or safeguarding reasons.
