Burton Mail readers have welcomed a Stapenhill secondary school’s strict new policy over mobile phone use and bad behaviour by pupils.

The Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Sports College, in Bluestone Lane, will launch its new mobile technology policy, banning the use of mobiles during the school day from September.

There will also be a new behaviour policy at the school which will track any pupil misdemeanours with any pupil notching up too many instances set to face action.

The school says it has set out its plan to maximise learning for all pupils and making sure they are prepared for adult life by having the highest expectations of their behaviour.

Many readers welcomed the idea with Mae Stenson posting on the Burton Mail’s Facebook page: “What a fantastic idea. You’re at the school to learn and listen to teachers. Not sit on your phones.”

Another reader Karen Langslow said: “I agree. Why should they be allowed to use phones in school? Well done and not before time. Hopefully this will roll out to other schools.”

Edward Manning agreed, saying: “Brilliant! Better learning and development now to come!”

Helen Barry also said: “I agree they shouldn't be on their phones in lessons as they are there to learn.”

Julie Buxton also welcomed the news and hoped it would be rolled out across the country. She said: “At last. Hope this mobile phone rule expands throughout the whole country. Let teachers teach our young people without distractions of mobiles.”

One reader has also praised head teacher Martin Cain for his tough new approach. Mark Johnson said: “Martin was the deputy head at Chellaston when I was there. Great teacher and good to see he's still promoting the highest standards of education. Good on him.”

However, some readers said the rule may be hard to implement.
Former pupil at Robert Sutton, Leanne Keen said: “It was meant to be like that when I was there but very rarely did they check and when they did we managed to hide them so I can’t see it being any different.”

Rebecca Dunn said: “It’s a good rule, but they also ask kids to take photos of their homework, on their phones.”