Oasis Academy Leesbrook takes a firm stand on mobile phones with "No Exceptions" Policy

In an era where teenagers spend hours locked to endless digital scrolling, teachers are facing an unprecedented battle for student attention. The constant buzz of notifications from Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok has turned the modern classroom into a digital battleground.

One Oldham school has reinforced its mobile phone policy following a spike in confiscations, introducing a zero-tolerance approach that has so far received overwhelming parental support. 

Kevin Fay, Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Attitudes at Oasis Academy Leesbrook, explained that while the school does not face a widespread phone problem, recent months prompted a policy refresh.  

In April, the school sent letters to parents reaffirming the rules and regularly hold assemblies to communicate the expectations. 

"Our message is clear: mobile phones are not seen, not heard in school," Mr Fay said. "Without exception, if a phone is spotted or heard, it is confiscated." 

Despite the firm stance, the school recognises the practical role phones play for pupils. Many students rely on their devices to access bus passes, payment methods, and identification cards. Rather than outright confiscation before school, Oasis Academy requires phones to be turned off and stored away in bags during the day. 

Mr Fay noted that the school makes exceptions for genuine medical needs. One pupil with diabetes uses her phone to monitor insulin levels throughout the day—a practice permitted under strict supervision, with staff ensuring the device is used only for its intended purpose. 

The policy has generated zero negative feedback since the reaffirmation letter went out, with some parents even requesting that confiscated phones be held longer to reinforce the lesson. When staff contact parents to retrieve a confiscated device, Mr Fay said the response is consistently understanding. 

"We work in partnership with families, not against them," he said. "It's a joint approach." 

The school has encountered occasional incidents of pupils posting videos of classmates on social media during school hours. In each case, parents have been cooperative in ensuring content is removed. Mr Fay emphasised that such breaches result in sanctions under the school's behaviour policy. 

"Once a video is out there, it's out there," he acknowledged. "But we do our very best to remove it and contact all involved." 

Mr Fay stressed that the policy's underlying purpose is to maintain a safe, distraction-free learning environment. With over 1,400 pupils, the school has largely succeeded: phone use during lessons is rare, with confiscations primarily occurring during breaks and transitions between classes. 

"In our classrooms, pupils are focused and learning," Mr Fay said. "There's no need for phones to be in lessons." 

The school's visible campaign—marked by posters bearing the strapline "With no exception, it will go to reception"—appears to have resonated with students. Mr Fay added that maintaining the policy requires consistent enforcement from all staff and unwavering support from families; a balance of Oasis Academy Leesbrook said it has achieved.