THE head teacher of Lyde Green’s new secondary school says it will be a phone-free environment.
Tom Hill is set to welcome 180 Year 7 pupils to Lyde Green Community School in September next year, when the school opens for the first time.
All students will have to hand in their mobile phones at the start of the day and collect them at the end, with strict penalties for breaches.
Mr Hill says the rule will support student well-being and focus, and parents will be encouraged to delay providing smartphones to their children to help reduce distractions and promote healthier social development.
Mr Hill has visited five primary schools – Lyde Green, Emersons Green, Blackhorse, Mangotsfield, and Barley Close – during April and May to hold assemblies for children and meet with parents.
He told them the school will be guided by three core values: striving for greatness, embracing teamwork, and doing the right thing – even when it’s difficult.
Mr Hill said: “We are a community of learners, and we all hold each other accountable for our actions and commitment, whether we are staff or students.
“It has been fantastic to engage with parents and children in the community who are going to play such a key role in the school moving forwards.”
He said the curriculum is being designed to prepare students as “global citizens”, combining academic rigour with real-world skills and character development. The school will encourage students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and act responsibly.
Mr Hill said the school was also committed to offering a “vibrant” extra-curricular programme, with after-school clubs, music and drama, sports teams, public speaking and leadership opportunities.
Over the coming year people will be encouraged to help shape the school’s future via parent focus groups, open events or becoming governors.
There will be further open events at Lyde Green Community Centre on September 15 and 24.
For more information or to register interest, visit www.lydegreencs.org.uk or email enquiries@lydegreencs.org.uk.
The school’s timber frame is now finished and the building team is now moving on to insulating and cladding the walls at the site on Honeysuckle Road.