Best Schools - Pupils should be banned from taking smartphones into school, the minister for school standards in En

Nick Gibb spoke out ahead of the government publishing new guidance for schools, expected to address internet safety, social media and online gaming.

It is expected to say children should be taught to limit the amount of time they spend online.

Schools have the power to ban phones from being taken on to the premises.

But government policy is that it is the responsibility of head teachers to determine whether this is appropriate

The trade union that represents head teachers has expressed its scepticism about outright bans.

But Mr Gibb said: "Many schools have already taken the decision to ban mobile phones from the classroom.

"While this is clearly a matter for the head teacher, my own view is that schools should ban their pupils from bringing smartphones into school or the classroom."

Katie Ivens, of the Campaign for Real Education, said she supported a classroom ban but that pupils should be allowed to carry phones to and from school for safety.

What is known as "relationships education" is to become compulsory from September 2020, with schools being encouraged to teach it from September of this year.

Tes Independent School Awards celebrate innovation

From an occupational therapy café to an intergenerational sports day, the Tes Independent School Awards 2019 showcased best of the private sector.

Bolton School claimed the independent school of the year award for not only its academic achievements but also what the judges commended as an “impressive” array of outreach activities.

Tes Independent School Awards 2019: The winners

Independent school of the year: Bolton School, Greater Manchester
Senior school of the year: Bolton School, Greater Manchester
Pre-prep/prep school of the year: St Faith’s, Cambridgeshire
Boarding school of the year: Cottesmore School, West Sussex
Sports award: Surbiton High School, London
Marketing campaign of the year: Woldingham School, Surrey
Wellbeing initiative of the year: Reigate Grammar School, Surrey
Independent-state school partnership: Lichfield Cathedral School, Staffordshire
Special services to independent education award: John Weitzel, Loughborough Grammar School
Best use of technology award: Aberdour School, Surrey
Senior leadership team of the year: The Holmewood School, London
International school of the year: Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
Whole school community initiative of the year: Norwich School
Strategic education initiative of the year: Sandroyd, Wiltshire
Creativity award: Wilds Lodge, Rutland
Special needs initiative of the year: The Holmewood School, London