Changes to Student Mobile Phone Use

At The Valley School, we are incredibly proud of the maturity, responsibility and good judgement consistently demonstrated by our students. Historically, mobile phone use has not presented any significant issues within the school. Students have used their devices sensibly and have responded positively to the expectations set by staff.

However, in line with statutory guidance, we must introduce revised arrangements for student mobile phones from 1^st October 2026.

 

Statutory Guidance

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 requires state-funded schools to have regard to this guidance when exercising their functions. This effectively gives the guidance legal force.

“All schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default; anything other than this should be by exception only.

Schools should develop a mobile phone policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with similar functionality to mobile phones (for example, the ability to send and/or receive notifications or messages via mobile phone networks or the ability to record audio and/or video) throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime.”

 

New Procedure

Students who bring a mobile phone to school will be required to hand it to their Form Tutor during morning registration.

Phones will be placed in individually named pouches and securely stored in a locked location throughout the school day. They will be returned to students at the end of the school day before students leave the site and before taxis depart.

Students who choose not to bring a mobile phone to school will not be affected by this procedure.

 

 Contacting Your Child During the Day

Should a parent or carer need to contact their child urgently during the school day, the School Office will be happy to assist. Likewise, if a student needs to contact home, appropriate arrangements can be made through the School Office.

 

Annie

The principal cast for our end of year show was announced at the beginning of the week and rehearsals have started! All of years 7, 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to participate in the show if they would like to. We will be learning the songs in Performing Arts lessons, more news to follow soon.

All principals are now able to listen to the songs and find more information about the show on the Annie Kids Team. They have received an email on their school account inviting them to join. They will then be able to download the songs to help them as they are learning their part.

Year 9 Art

In their Art lessons, students in Year 9 have been learning about art in the theatre.  They used their crafting skills to make dioramas of theatre stages.  Here are some examples of what they achieved.

Year 11 Leaving Arrangements 2026 

Over the next two half terms, our Year 11 students will be sitting their final examinations and completing coursework to secure their qualifications.

After the Easter holidays, all Year 11 students will receive a sign-off sheet to ensure that all course requirements are completed before they finish at The Valley School.

• Subject teachers will identify any remaining work.

• Work must be completed to an appropriate standard before being signed off.

• A member of the Senior Leadership Team will countersign the completed sheet.

• Students who have fully completed and signed off their work will not be required to attend Mop-Up Week.

Below are the key dates for the final weeks of Year 11:

Activities Week 

(First week back after summer half-term)
Monday 1st June – Friday 5th June 2026
A programme of activities and visits to celebrate students’ time at the school.
Further details will follow from Mr Hugo.

  Work Experience 

Monday 8th June – Friday 12th June 2026
All Year 11 students will attend work experience placements.
Further details will follow from Miss Heller.

 Mop-Up Week 

Monday 15th June – Thursday 18th June 2026
For students who need to complete any outstanding coursework or curriculum requirements.

 Year 11 Prom 

Thursday 18th June 2026 (Evening)

Further details will follow from Mr Hugo

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and look forward to celebrating the end of their journey at The Valley School

Junior Football Tournament

On Thursday, The Valley School hosted and took part in a Junior Football Tournament featuring teams from Brandles, St Lukes, Batchwood, and Pinewood.

In a very competitive field, The Valley School’ teams performed strongly, securing 3rd and 5th place overall.

Despite challenging, wet weather conditions, the boys showed excellent attitude, determination, and teamwork. They should be proud of their efforts and the results they achieved.