Aureus School, Didcot

When Aureus School in Didcot introduced Yondr pouches in 2024, the results were immediate and transformative. Truancy dropped by nearly half, behaviour improved, and students reconnected with each other – and their learning. Headteacher Kirsty Rogers shares how going smartphone-free helped her school tackle disruption, reduce anxiety, and create a calmer, more focused environment for everyone.

‍The School

Aureus School in Didcot is a secondary academy with 589 pupils aged 11–16, part of the GLF Schools Foundation Multi-academy Trust.
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Head teacher: Kirsty Rogers

The problem

Behaviour
Ofsted had deemed student behaviour as "disrespectful and disruptive" during a 2022 inspection.

Distraction
Students were under pressure to update their social media and respond to notifications during school hours, leading to distraction and truancy.

Extreme content
Children were being exposed to unmonitored and distressing content.

The action

Initial policy
When Headteacher Kirsty Rogers joined the school in 2023, she introduced a "See it, Hear it, Lose it" policy. Phones were confiscated if seen or heard, but temptation remained high.

Yondr pouches
In September 2024, the school implemented Yondr pouches. Students are now expected to place their phones in a locked pouch at the start of the day. Phones stay with students in their bags, locked until they leave. Unlocking stations are placed around the school.

The impact

Less truancy
There has been a 48% reduction in truancy compared to the previous year, and fewer students are leaving lessons to go to the toilet.

Better social interactions
Reports of cyberbullying are down. Social time feels calmer, and students say they find it easier to engage with their peers.

Improved concentration
Staff have noted students are more focused and better able to engage with classroom learning.

"I was really noticing the impact these phones were having on children’s mental health. The number of notifications they’re getting. The need to respond to things. The pressure to delete posts if they don’t get enough likes. It’s had a hugely positive impact."
Kirsty Rogers, Headteacher, Aureus School

Key information

Local authority
Oxfordshire

Policy
Smartphones placed in Yondr pouches for the school day

Date policy implemented
September 2024

Pupil demographics
Number of pupils: 589
Age range: 11–16
Pupils eligible for free school meals: 31.2%
English as an additional language: 16.0%

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