The ethos of Watford Grammar School for Girls favours principled action over hopeful ideas, an attitude which is summed up by the alternative motto: “I can do it and I will do it”.
For this reason, our policies, particularly those which directly affect the pupils – Behaviour, Bullying, Child Protection – are written as accessible codes of conduct or as procedures to be followed in certain circumstances. The school believes that only when specific examples of bad behaviour occur should there be an automatic punishment. These specific misbehaviours include physical violence, smoking, involvement with drugs or alcohol, and misbehaviour on school trips. The automatic sanction will usually be a fixed term exclusion from school (or being barred from participation in school trips for a given period).
The School Rules, was developed through collaboration of pupils and staff to reflect the values of our school, and acts as the basis of our Behaviour Policy. It specifies the expectations the school holds for the conduct of pupils and staff. The school also has a clear set of rules, which give clarity for students about how they should behave.
The school’s values include inculcating an understanding in the pupils of appropriate behaviour in any situation, whatever the degree of formality.
The Behaviour Policy will be reviewed regularly.
Uniform
All girls are expected to wear correct school uniform. The school maintains a stock of very good quality sustainable uniform at very reasonable prices, many items hardly used.
Mobile Phones, Internet enabled and Bluetooth enabled technology
Advice for families with children starting at Watford Grammar School for Girls in September 2026
At WGGS, we are committed to creating a calm, focused, and safe learning environment where every student can thrive. Following careful consideration and consultation,
- from 1st September 2026, smartphones will not be permitted on school premises during the school day for new year 7
- This applies from the moment students arrive at school until they leave at the end of the day.
- Any non-smart mobile phones and other internet or Bluetooth-enabled technology must be stored in a locker during the school day.
Acceptable Alternative Devices
We recognise that some families wish for their children to carry a phone for safety and travel purposes. To support this, students in Year 7 (and other year groups if parents/carers want a smartphone alternative) may bring a basic mobile phone (also known as a “feature phone” or “brick phone”) that meets the following criteria:
- Calls and text messaging only.
- No internet access, social media, or app functionality.
- Ideally no camera.
- Small, simple and good battery life.
Examples of suitable models include:
Nokia 105, Doro 1370, Alcatel 1066, Punkt MP02, and other similar basic handsets available from major retailers. The following article provides more detail on these types of phones. https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/gadgets-tech/best-dumbphones-b2717333.html
Any phone or mobile device that connects to the internet, downloads apps, or functions as a smartphone will not be permitted.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school for further advice and guidance.
Advice for families with children starting in Year 8 – 13 at Watford Grammar School for Girls in September 2026
- From 1st September 2026, mobile phones and all other internet or Bluetooth- enabled technology must be turned off as soon as students cross the yellow lines at each entrance point on the school premises.
- Students in Years 8 – 11 must keep this technology (not including their school device) in their lockers during the school day.
- Students in Years 12 – 13 are only permitted to use their mobile phones and internet or Bluetooth enabled technology in permitted areas of the Sixth Form and in the library during study periods.
Why We Are Making This Change
We have taken this decision to support our students’ learning, wellbeing, and safety.
Research and feedback from schools nationwide show that removing smartphones from the school day:
- Reduces distractions and improves focus in lessons.
- Helps to promote face-to-face social interaction and positive relationships.
- Supports better mental health, self-esteem, and sleep.
- Reduces safeguarding concerns linked to online activity, messaging apps, and social media.
- Our aim is not to remove communication between home and school, but to support families (by building on the policies from junior schools) in making decisions on when to introduce their children to smartphones. They are not required at WGGS and are not part of any transition expectation.
The school supports the use of devices such as laptops and tablets that must use the filtering provided by the school network to ensure that all student access to online resources is appropriate for their age group and learning needs.
What is the sanction for being found with a mobile phone or internet / Bluetooth enabled device at any time during the school day?
If it is seen, heard or found it will be confiscated and held by the office of the Headteacher for one week, including a weekend, and collected by a parent/carer.
Why is it kept for a week?
The period of a week ensures the consistency for all pupils and such an extended period ensures the student rarely repeats the offence. If the sanction were shorter i.e. four days, then if the device was confiscated on a Monday it would be returned by the weekend; however, if it were confiscated on a Wednesday, then it would be retained over a weekend. It is important that sanctions are consistent and fair and the sanction of one week ensures all students will experience one weekend without their device.
Are you legally allowed to confiscate a student’s property?
Government legislation does allow for schools and headteachers to confiscate property: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/40/section/94. The school is required to ensure that students and parents are informed of the school’s policy and that measures are put in place to enable pupils to remain safe. The school makes its position regarding pupils’ mobile phones and internet or Bluetooth-enabled technology very clear and allows pupils to call home from the school office. We also provide supervised study for one hour each day for any pupil who needs to stay on site for a parent to collect them.
My daughter has learnt her lesson. Can she have it back before the end of the week/over the weekend?
The Headteacher does receive requests from parents to return their daughter’s confiscated items to them before the end of the week of sanction. The Headteacher has refused this request on each occasion and does not intend to relent in the future.
How can my daughter be kept safe without her phone?
The school has basic phones that your daughter may borrow for the period of the confiscation.
If you do not wish your daughter to travel home without her phone then she may remain in school, either in the Study Club or in the Tennet Centre if she is a sixth former, until an adult can collect her by 4.30pm. After 4.30pm she may wait in the ‘Safe Space’ which is found in the reception of Fuller Life in the Sports Centre. All students may also ask to use a landline phone to contact home at the school office.