Cheshire PCC leads the way, making it easier for schools nationwide to go phone-free

Cheshire is leading the way in creating distraction-free classrooms, with three quarters of its state high schools now either using or planning to introduce lockable phone pouches.

With Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) nearing his target of having 100% of state schools in Cheshire signed up, today sees the launch of an online buying portal, designed to make it as quick and easy as possible for schools nationwide to buy lockable phone pouches.

The scheme, which directly supports Esther Ghey’s national campaign for phone-free education, has been backed by Cheshire East Council.  It has endorsed national guidance and worked closely with local partners to drive local adoption of lockable phone pouches.

Yesterday the Duke of Westminster joined PCC, Dan Price and Esther Ghey, campaigner for online safety, on a visit to Sir William Stanier School in Crewe. They’re one of the latest schools to go phone-free, ensuring pupils keep their devices safely sealed in lockable pouches from the first bell until the last.

Cheshire’s phone-free scheme launched in November 2025, with the PCC setting aside £150k over two years to support schools to adopt phone pouches. Following this, the Duke of Westminster also pledged his support with a significant personal donation of £250,000, which was driven by his growing concerns around young people’s mental health and online safety. That means pouches can be bought from around as little as £3 per student* in schools in Cheshire.

Schools already using phone pouches have reported major improvements (including an 81% drop in safeguarding incidents, 94% improvement in behaviour and better academic attainment).

While the Government has set out a clear expectation that classrooms across the country should now be phone‑free, there is no clear guidance about how. Many schools continue to have an out of sight policy that’s been proven to be ineffective. 

Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“Make no mistake, Cheshire is leading the way on this - our high schools will be phone free by the start of the new school year this September. I can’t wait to see the results in preventing online harm and improved behaviour.

“The response from local schools and parents has been so positive that we decided to create a way for all schools nation-wide to buy lockable phone pouches at the most competitive prices. I promised to throw this open to all schools when the programme launched last November. Six months later and we’re ready to go!”

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster said:

“We are seeing real, measurable improvements in young people's wellbeing, focus and safety thanks to phone-free education. But perhaps the most powerful thing I've heard, speaking to young people, is simply the relief of being able to switch off during the school day, free from the constant pull of notifications and the anxiety of always being contactable.

“Through my work with the Westminster Foundation, I've seen how evidence-based interventions can make a lasting difference to young people's lives. What Dan Price and his team have built here is something the whole country can benefit from. By creating this online portal, Cheshire is giving schools everywhere a simple, practical route to go phone-free.”

Esther Ghey, Founder and Director of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project said:

"Children deserve a break from the constant pressure of being on screens. I've met many young people who tell me they feel relieved when their phones are put away for the school day.

“I'm delighted to see so many schools across Cheshire embracing this initiative and recognising the benefits of a phone free school day. I'm incredibly grateful to the Duke of Westminster for his generous support and to Dan Price for showing incredible leadership, turning an idea into action.

“When we give young people the chance to put their phones away, we're giving them the opportunity to look up, connect with others, focus on their education and ultimately just enjoy being children again."

Elizabeth Robinson, Headteacher at Sir William Stanier School said:

“From our experience in education, and alongside a growing body of evidence, we believe that unrestricted mobile phone use during the school day can have a detrimental impact on pupils’ wellbeing, relationships and learning.

“When we became aware of the pledge led by the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, in partnership with Esther Ghey and with the backing of the Duke of Westminster, we saw an opportunity to strengthen the culture we are building at Sir William Stanier School.

“As a school on a clear journey of improvement, we are committed to creating a culture of high expectations where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging, can focus on their learning and achieve their very best. We see this as another positive step in helping pupils focus, learn and thrive.

“We are pleased that the vast majority of pupils, parents and carers have fully supported this approach and recognise the benefits it can bring. At Sir William Stanier School we are confident that reducing mobile phone use during the school day will strengthen the positive culture we are building and support pupils to focus, learn and achieve their best.”

Emma Gilman, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet Member for education and special educational needs and disability, said:

“This initiative is hugely important to help us return to distraction-free education, where students are able to learn, discover and thrive in an environment that is devoid of all the background noise that comes with smartphones.

“In a generation where phones add additional peer pressure and greater opportunities for negative influence, it’s so reassuring to see the implementation of these smartphone pouches. This welcome break from smartphones gives young people a chance to not only focus on their own abilities and strengths, but vitally to help protect their mental wellbeing, improving their focus and overall increasing their chances of being able to excel into further education and beyond”.

All students in Cheshire state high schools on free school meals will have their pouches fully funded by money donated by Dan Price and the Duke of Westminster.

As well as funding, schools who participate will receive support from this initiative in the form of information materials for parents and pupils, implementation plans and expertise from those schools that have already rolled out pouches.

Quotes from students at Sir William Stanier School in Crewe:

Ella (Year 10 pupil, 15 years), pupil at Sir William Stanier School said:

“At first I struggled with the thought of losing access to my phone. However, the more I thought about the change, I’ve come to see the many benefits it can bring to the whole school community.

In my opinion, I feel it could improve my confidence and concentration in school, especially in the classroom where the distraction of my phone is removed.”

Darryl (Year 10, 15 years), pupil at Sir William Stanier School said:

“Introducing phone pouches will reduce distractions, improve concentration and create the perfect learning environment.

There will be hurdles at first, therefore giving students time to adapt and working closely with parents will make the scheme successful.

As a student the aim for the project is not to punish us, but to get the most of our education and learning experience.”

Edward (Year 9, 14 years) pupil at Sir William Stanier School said:

“I thought that mobile phones were something that would allow me to express myself. However, I think that not having our phones on will help to develop relationships and improve our mental health.”

Honey (Year 8, 13 years) pupil at Sir William Stanier School said:

“I think that phone pouches will bring fun and friendship back into our school and our lives.”

You can find out more about the PCC here

You can find out more about the Duke of Westminster here