Smartphones are set to be banned in Kenilworth schools thanks to a town-wide initiative.

'Kenilworth Consortium' - which includes primary schools across the town as well as Kenilworth School and Sixth Form - made the announcement to parents in a letter last week.

The move will begin with a launch week starting on Monday 20 April which will feature events across the town.

A letter to parents said: "Across schools in Kenilworth Consortium, we remain increasingly aware of the growing concerns around childhood smartphone use, particularly its impact on children's wellbeing, mental health, concentration, sleep, and social development. 

"As schools, we continue to see these effects first-hand, and we are committed to a shared, town wide approach that supports families in making informed decisions about smartphone use from childhood through adolescence. 

"We are pleased to share the roll out of the Kenilworth Community Smartphone Initiative, beginning with a dedicated launch week on Monday 20 April. 

"This forms an important step in our collective work across primary and secondary schools to create consistent expectations and reduce pressures around smartphone ownership."

From September 2026 there will be a no smartphones on site policy at all primary schools.

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From September 2027, when the current Year 5 year group transitions to Kenilworth School, smartphones will not be permitted on the secondary school site for this cohort.

"This policy will then apply to all younger transition year groups, ensuring a consistent experience as children move through the education system," the letter continued.

Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust has already been trialling a no-phones policy at both Kenilworth School and Westwood Academy, which has already been labelled a success.

The launch week will feature an assembly for the 300 year five children across Kenilworth, at Kenilworth School, talking about the move to the no smartphones policy.

A parent information session will also be held, as well as classroom learning in primary schools and a 'pupil summit'.

The letter continued: "Thank you, as always, for your continued support as we work together as a community on the implementation of this ambitious initiative. 

"If you have any follow-up questions, please bring them with you to the shared parent event on Tuesday 21 April or raise them with your individual schools."

The letter was signed by Hayden Abbott, CEO of Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust, as well as the head teachers of:

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• Burton Green C of E Academy
• Clinton Primary School
• Kenilworth School
• Priors Field Primary School
• St John's Primary School
• St. Augustine's
• St. Nicholas Primary School
• Thorns Infant School and Park Hill Junior School