At Portobello High School, our commitment to "Achieving Together" drives our continuous efforts to enhance the educational experience for all young people. Guided by our core values of respect, confidence, learning, opportunity, and community, we focus on key priorities: raising attainment and achievement, fostering inclusion and wellbeing, and advancing learning, teaching, assessment, and skills.

To support this, we have introduced a mobile phone use policy that incorporates the innovative Yondr Pouch system (www.overyondr.com).

Under this policy, young people are allowed to bring their mobile phones to school, acknowledging the importance of connectivity for safety during travel to and from school. Upon arrival, they will place their phones into a lockable Yondr Pouch, which they will keep with them throughout the school day. The pouch remains locked at all times within the school building.

This approach provides a balanced solution, ensuring young people retain possession of their phones while minimising distractions during school hours. The Pouch helps foster social interaction, improves focus on learning, and reduces stress associated with phone use, all while maintaining communication for families during travel to and from school. All other emergency contact should be received and supported through the school office.

In line with our inclusion policy, this work seeks to reflects our commitment to creating a respectful, distraction-free, and equitable environment for all young people. It combines innovative technology with clear guidelines to support learning, well-being, and personal responsibility.

For further information on the Mobile Phone Policy, please click the button below to read the policy document: