From 1 September 2026, primary and secondary schools are required to restrict pupils’ access to personal mobile phones throughout the school day. The rules apply from arrival to departure and cover lessons, breaks, lunchtimes and movement between classes.
The guidance also includes smartwatches and other personal devices capable of messaging, accessing the internet or making recordings. Schools must make reasonable adjustments where pupils need access to devices for medical or educational reasons.
The rules create a straightforward operational problem. Schools need a secure way to store devices, control access and return them efficiently at the end of the day.
RM is targeting that requirement with a range of storage products.
The company offers 36-bay and 40-bay mobile phone lockers for centralised storage, as well as smaller five-bay and 10-bay units. The compact units can also support charging, giving schools more flexibility where devices need to remain available for approved use.
RM also supplies lockable phone pouches that allow pupils to keep their devices with them while preventing access during school hours. Unlocking systems can be installed at reception areas or exits so phones can be released when pupils leave.
This gives schools several ways to comply with the new requirements. Larger schools can use central storage, while smaller units and individual pouches allow more targeted approaches.
RM plc (LON:RM) is a global EdTech provider of learning and assessment solutions, supporting the full learning journey, from early years through to higher education and professional qualifications.
