IT and Mobile Phones
We are committed to educating pupils on mindful screen use, balancing the benefits of technology with wellbeing. Our key aim is not only to minimise distractions from learning but also to encourage time away from social media and gaming. This promotes social interaction, supports mental health, and improves sleep patterns. We want pupils to engage with technology thoughtfully, maintaining control over its use rather than being controlled by it.
To support this, Lancing operates a no-visibility policy on mobile phones during the working day—phones must not be seen or heard in classrooms.
The internet is a valuable tool for research and learning, and pupils should use it positively. Online access is managed through a filtering system tailored to different year groups and times of day. The system also actively detects VPN usage, with access removed if such tools are found.
Laptop Specification
All pupils are required to bring their own laptops for school use. They will have the acceptable use guidelines explained to them as part of the induction process and new Third Form pupils will have a dedicated series of lessons during the metacognition classes about the appropriate use of the network and how the laptop is used to aid academic study. This approach allows for the flexibility of device that we have seen increasingly adopted by pupils independently. Every time pupils access the school network, they agree to Lancing’s Acceptable Use Policy.
The choice of exactly what to buy is open to you, but there is a minimum specification for the device which should have at least 8GB RAM and at least 128GB storage space. If a pupil is intending on studying Photography then we would recommend 16GB RAM due to the software used for studies. There is a small selection of devices which the College would recommend as ideal options suitable for full educational use. These are the Microsoft Surface range of devices. We do not recommend Chromebooks.
It is also our strong recommendation that you purchase a protective case and long-term warranty/repair package to accompany your chosen device. As part of the induction process at the start of term in September, we will be supporting and assisting pupils to ensure that they are able to access all school resources from their devices. Online safety is covered as part of the induction, and we would encourage parents to ensure any parental controls are deployed appropriately.
Every student has their own College email address and internet access. Access to the internet is freely available via a filtered link during the College day and until 23.00 in the evening for senior students. Filtering varies according to year group and time of day. An acceptable use policy is published and students are required to abide by it. This prohibits, for instance, the sharing of passwords or accounts, the use of VPNs and lays down guidelines for using the College IT facilities. In addition, all internet traffic is recorded and monitored for abuse or attempts to access inappropriate material. Pupils’ own laptops, MacBooks, tablets, smart phones or any other wireless devices connected to the internet via the College network are subject to the filtering rules.
Mobile Phone
Access to mobile phones is monitored by the HMMs and pupils’ mobile phone numbers must be logged with their HMM. Sixth Form pupils are allowed to keep their phones on them all day, however they must not be seen in public.
When pupils have access to their mobile phone.
Saturday - 12.30-21.30
Sunday - 11.30-21.00
Saturday - 12.30 until Sunday 21.00
Saturday - 12.30 until Sunday 21.00
Electronic devices must not cause distraction or upset at any time. Pupils found to be causing a distraction or offence in any way with such a device may have it confiscated or their access to the device limited in some other way, and sanctions will be imposed in accordance with the school rules.
We ask parents to support our approach by ensuring pupils do not return to school with multiple mobile devices. For example, some may attempt to hand one phone in, while hiding another in their room, something House staff are vigilant about.
Please also consider your child’s mobile phone contract. Large or unlimited data plans (over 1GB per month) can encourage internet use outside the School’s secure filtering system. All pupils have access to fast, filtered internet on any enrolled device.
Recordings of pupils or staff (still or moving images or audio or of any other kind) may not be made, stored or shared without the prior consent of those concerned. Involvement in any way with images, recordings or postings of any form which are liable to cause offence, or to damage the reputation of the school or any individual person, is strictly forbidden.
If you have any concerns, we encourage you to speak with your HMM for guidance and support.