Principals Weekly Update

Building Community and Reducing Distractions: Uxbridge High School Introduces Yondr Pouches

Uxbridge High School continues its strong start to the 2025–26 academic year with the launch of an important new initiative designed to support distraction-free learning. In her second weekly vlog, Principal Louisa Seymour focused on three key themes: community, respect and determination, and the school’s new Yondr pouches.

“Community has always been at the heart of my work in London schools,” Ms. Seymour said. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is seeing our young people support one another and celebrate the diversity within our school. At a time when the wider world sometimes promotes division, it’s even more important that we build inclusive, respectful communities where everyone feels safe and valued.”

 

Respect, Determination, and Punctuality

Alongside the importance of community, Ms. Seymour highlighted how Uxbridge High School is linking the values of respect and determination to punctuality. Over the past year, the introduction of a clear bell system has helped ensure that students arrive promptly to lessons and form time.

“Even a couple of minutes late can mean a young person falls behind in learning,” Ms. Seymour explained. “We’re determined to make sure no student misses out, and our system of short detentions for lateness has been really effective. Thank you to our parents for supporting this, it makes a huge difference.”

 

Yondr Pouches: A Mobile-Free Learning Environment

A major focus of this week’s vlog was the introduction of Yondr pouches, which lock away students’ mobile phones during the school day. Vice Principal Mr. Churchill and Year 8 student Lola joined Ms. Seymour to demonstrate how the system works.

“We want our lessons to be completely distraction-free,” Mr. Churchill explained. “By removing mobile phones from the classroom, students can focus fully on learning, and research shows this also has a positive effect on their mental health.”

Lola showed how easy the process is: students place their phone into a Yondr pouch at the start of the day, lock it using a magnetic device, and keep it secured until the end of lessons. Phones remain safely with students, but out of sight and out of mind.

“Students have responded really positively,” Mr. Churchill said. “They’re getting used to the system quickly, and many are enthusiastic about the benefits. For several hours each day, they can focus without worrying about their phones—and that’s a really healthy habit.”

 

Looking Forward

Ms. Seymour closed her message with gratitude to parents and families for supporting both the new system and the school’s wider values.

“We’ve had a fantastic start to term, and that’s thanks to the effort not only from our staff and students but also from you at home,” she said. “Together we’re building a safe, respectful, and determined community where young people can thrive.”

Thank you for reading and for being part of Uxbridge High School.

We look forward to sharing more in next week’s update.