A school that has banned pupils from using mobile phones has seen a significant improvement in A-level results, with nearly 50 percent of grades being A or A*.
Excelsior Academy in Hackney, East London, prohibits sixth form students from using their phones whilst on school premises. The rule was introduced by Headteacher Omar Deria, 45, in September 2024, alongside a requirement for pupils to dress in business attire, and the benefits are now evident.
Last year, the academy was among the most improved schools in the country, with average A-Level grades rising from C to B. This year, the school reports that almost half of its grades were A or A*, and approximately 50 percent of pupils have secured places at prestigious Russell Group universities.
Deputy Headteacher Shahfah Begum commented today (Thursday): “The mobile phone ban has had an incredible impact on the results at this school. Students are more engaged both inside and outside of the classroom. They were less distracted so therefore concentrated on their studies. They were more friendly and chatty with staff and each other which made a huge difference to the atmosphere around the school.”
The achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the school serves one of the poorest areas in the country, with nearly two-thirds of students eligible for free school meals.
Deputy Head Ms Begum added: “We do not believe background should be a barrier for success, every student at this school is given the platform to succeed. It is incredibly important to raise aspirations and show our students they can aspire to the very best universities in the country.”
Yamkeekha Begum, 18, from Hackney, achieved As in psychology and biology and a C in chemistry. Consequently, she’s now set to attend King’s College London to study Biomedical Science.
She said: “The mobile phone ban at the school ensured I did not get too distracted and really helped me stay on track with my studies. There are so many distractions on your phone like social media and so coming off it for a few hours really helped me.”
The student added: “The school has been so supportive. When I needed support with my studies they provided interventions. I really feel like they helped me get through when times were tough with revisions and classes.”
Earlier this year, headteacher Mr Deria shared that his initial impression of the school when he joined in 2022 was of students engrossed in their phones. Since implementing the ban, he claims his students have become more sociable and focused on revision.
He said: “When I first started the place was overrun with mobile phones. On my first day the first thing that I noticed was students glued to their phones scrolling. If I am honest, it was a struggle at first. It is the most important thing in their lives and they struggle when it is taken.”
He added: “They may not be happy in the moment, but on results day they thank us. The impact in the classroom has been nothing short of miraculous. You are dealing with completely different people, their personalities are different. They are more articulate, chattier, nicer, more engaged not just with the learning but with other people in general.”
If a pupil is caught with their phone out during school hours, then it will be confiscated and secured in a safe, with parents unable to retrieve it until the following Thursday. This means that if a student’s mobile is taken on a Thursday then they must wait an entire week to collect it again.
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