The school where phones are locked away

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 15:01

By George Lythgoe

A scheme in which students lock their phones away at the start of the school day has had a ‘remarkable impact’, according to a headteacher.

Holy Family RC & CE College in Heywood introduced lockable pouches at the beginning of term in a bid to help kids focus on lessons and build relationships at break time.

The 11 to 16-year-olds put their mobiles away at the start of the day. Phone locker pockets are opened with a magnetic device once lessons are finished.

Staff said many students say they’re enjoying school more and that the scheme has cut down on distractions and eased the social pressure that comes with being constantly online.

Headteacher Karen Ames said:

“The impact has been remarkable.

“We’ve created a calmer, more connected community where students are focused on their learning and building real friendships “It has transformed the atmosphere around the school.”

The school said that before the summer break, one girl who attends Holy Family had an average daily screen time of 12 and a half hours, but since the pouches were brought in it’s dropped to four and a half and teachers say her attendance has improved dramatically.

Since the roll-out in September, staff at the school say children are more engaged in lessons and there have been fewer requests to leave lessons.

One year 10 student said:

“I don’t constantly feel the need to check my phone to see who messaged me, and I don’t check the time every few minutes either.
“Lessons go by quicker and I don’t bother with notifications any more.”

Another said:

“My screen time has gone down, my stress has reduced, and there’s less drama in school since no one can message about things during the day.

“They’ve even stopped people skipping lessons.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Rochdale-born creative agency founder spotlighted in ‘extraordinary’ Greater Manchester business campaign

A Rochdale entrepreneur who turned her wellness-focused creative agency into a global brand builder has been recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s most inspiring business leaders.
Bury bows to GMCA pressure with £12k Cannes trip as taxpayers foot bill for global investor summit

Bury Council says it made a 'late decision' to attend controversial MIPIM property conference after Greater Manchester Combined Authority urged all 10 councils to take part, following backlash from the Daily Mails article.
Masked gang targets couple in terrifying early morning burglary in Littleborough

A man and woman were threatened by four masked men, one armed with a knife, during an aggravated burglary on Todmorden Road in Littleborough.
Bury’s Rock Shopping Centre opens giant Christmas donation station to support struggling families

A huge festive donation box has arrived in Bury, as The Rock joins forces with local churches and The Salvation Army to collect toys for children in need.
Eight-year jail sentence for man who smuggled drugs into Bury through fake parcels from America

A man who smuggled drugs into the UK through parcels disguised with fake American return addresses has been jailed for eight years following a major investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Grooming gang rapist escapes UK and did what the government couldn’t

A convicted Rochdale grooming gang member has finally left the UK, not through deportation, but by disappearing on his own, doing what the Home Office failed to achieve for over a decade.
24 new family homes to be built on derelict Middleton site under £6.79 million housing plan

A long-abandoned Middleton site is set for transformation as First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) announces plans to build 24 new energy-efficient homes, following a major £6.79 million investment.
Driver admits killing 68-year-old woman in Rochdale during car rampage

A man who drove into several people, killing a woman in Rochdale, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and six attempted murders
Market Street in Bury reopens following £500,000 bridge repairs

A key route into Bury town centre has reopened after a five-month closure for critical bridge works
Six-storey block of 40 flats planned at prime town centre site

Plans for a block of 40 flats at a town centre site have been submitted.
Divine intervention sought as developer eyes former convent for 10-flat conversion

Developers have applied to turn a former religious home in Middleton into a block of ten apartments, bringing an end to its sacred past.
Hopwood Hall College will get huge revamp

Hopwood Hall College will get a massive campus overhaul now plans for a new teaching block have been approved.