An Ipswich school has told parents its culture has 'significantly' changed following the introduction of phone pouches after the school was issued with a termination warning.
Westbourne Academy, in Marlow Road, was issued with a termination warning by the department of education in September due to consistent poor student behaviour.
However, the school has announced to parents that significant improvements have been made in the academic year to curb the poor behaviour.
Westbourne Academy principal Martin Higgon addressed parents on the school's website stating: "There has been a significant shift in culture within the academy this academic year.
"We have had a good start to the New Year, with a very successful introduction of the new Yondr pouches.
"Students have embraced this new strategy and the impact within the academy is clear."
A Yondr pouch is a soft, durable pouch with a locking mechanism. The pouch securely holds your phone, preventing access to its screen and features while still allowing you to keep it on your person.
Once a child has put their phone in one, a teacher can place a magnetic lock on it which can only be opened at unlocking stations.
"We have had a big push on punctuality in the morning. This has seen a significant reduction in the number of students arriving late,." said Mr Higgon.
"We have tightened up on the behaviours and impacts of students who wish to be persistently defiant in relation to academy rules and expectations.
"As a result, there has been a 67% decrease in the number of students failing to attend their timetabled lessons.
"This term we have increased the focus to include late attendance to lessons as well as students who make the choice to walk out of the lesson.
"Expectations of students within the academy are clear and simple. We continue to work hard to ensure students are aware of the impact of their choices and hold a firm line in relation to behaviour within the school."
Why were Westbourne Academy handed a termination warning?
An Ofsted report in July 2025, rated the school as 'inadequate' having found staff and other students were "intimidated" by poor behaviour.
This followed Westbourne Academy teachers going on strike in May in response to the poor behaviour of the children.
The strike was organised after the union hit out at the school due to what the union branded "inadequate management of poor pupil behaviour", meaning some staff feel that they are not able to teach uninterrupted all of the time.
Subsequently, the Department for Education issued the warning as they requested to see rapid and sustainable improvements at the school.
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The UK government, MPs, organisations and public figures are discussing whether there should be stronger rules about children's access to social media - including an Australia-style ban for under-16s.
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