How Scotland’s Phone-Free School is Changing Education in Edinburgh

By The Hyperhive

8 May 2025

What inspired Scotland’s phone-free school to start this policy in Edinburgh? How do students feel about locking their phones in pouches every day?

In Edinburgh, two schools have taken a bold step to create a phone-free environment, aiming to help students focus better and feel happier.

This is the story of Scotland’s first phone-free school and how it’s changing the classroom experience.

Scotland’s Phone-Free School: A New Way to Learn

Portobello High School and Queensferry High School in Edinburgh are the first in Scotland to try a phone-free policy.

Starting in May 2025, students from S1 to S6 must place their phones in special pouches at the start of the school day.

These pouches, made by a company called Yondr, lock magnetically and stay with the students all day. They can only be unlocked at stations near the school’s exits when the day ends.

The idea came after months of talks with parents, students, and teachers. A survey showed that 86% of parents at Portobello High School supported the plan.

The goal is simple: reduce distractions, help students pay attention in class, and encourage them to talk to each other face-to-face.

Schools hope this will improve learning and mental health, as research suggests that too much phone use can make it harder for students to focus.

Why Go Phone-Free?

Phones can be a big distraction in class. A 2022 study found that about one in three students in Scottish classrooms were distracted by phones in almost every lesson.

Notifications, social media, and even filming incidents like bullying can disrupt learning. By locking phones away, schools aim to create a calmer environment where students can concentrate on their work.

The phone-free policy also has another goal: improving student well-being. Spending less time on screens during the day gives students more chances to connect with friends in person.

This can help them feel less stressed and more engaged in school life. At Portobello High School, students already use iPads for learning, so they don’t need phones for schoolwork.

This makes the transition to a phone-free day easier.

Challenges and Future Plans

Not everyone agrees with the pouches. Some students, like Alice and Ava from Portobello, think phones should be limited, but aren’t sure pouches are the best solution.

Others worry about emergencies, like young carers needing to check on family members. The schools have made exceptions for students with medical needs, and sixth-year students at Portobello can unlock their phones in a special common area.

Edinburgh’s leaders see this as a test. If it works, more schools in the city might adopt the policy. Other parts of Scotland, like Perth and Kinross, already limit phone use during lessons.

But Edinburgh’s approach is unique because it covers the whole school day, including breaks. The Scottish government supports schools deciding their own rules, as long as they consider students’ needs.

Looking Ahead

The phone-free pilot is still new, but early signs are promising. Teachers report that students seem more engaged in lessons, and some students say they enjoy talking with friends during breaks instead of scrolling on their phones.

However, schools are still learning how to make the system work for everyone. They plan to collect feedback from students and parents over the next few months to see what’s working and what needs to change.

This experiment could inspire other schools in Scotland and beyond. By creating a space where students can focus on learning and building real connections, Edinburgh is showing that sometimes, less screen time can lead to more growth.

As the pilot continues, the question remains: could phone-free schools become the new normal? For now, Portobello and Queensferry High Schools are leading the way, one locked pouch at a time.