News & Diary - 10.12.2025

Encouraging pupils to think. Winchester College’s approach to devices

In her latest end of term message to parents, Headmaster, Ms Elizabeth Stone shared an update on the College’s approach to technology in learning, including the use of devices, with a future update set to address the developing role of AI in education. Below are extracts from that update:

Computers have been in classrooms now for decades and we know there are things they can do well. We use them all the time in teaching. For example:

3D mathematical modelling, such as volumes of revolution
Immediate access to art, maps, artefacts and resources
Flashcard apps are widely used, from English to Modern Languages to Biology
Digital modelling of hydrology or climate simulations in Geography
Flipped learning where, for instance, pupils watch a video lesson in their own time, freeing up class time for the teacher to respond to individual problems and questions

a group of students working on a project - from Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

“We love what technology enables in the classroom and for study. But these same technologies can also have counter-productive effects. The research is clear, for instance, that it is harder to learn when reading on screen; and when typing on a device. This is because of how our brains work rather than a feature of the device per se.”

Winchester’s approach to devices

Even when teenagers want to study, they find it hard to stay on task on a laptop – as adults do. Who among us has not been in a meeting where half the room is doing emails instead of listening?

a group of young people at a table - from Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

“There’s no simple answer as to whether technology improves learning. The question is rather: when do the positives outweigh the negatives? Which is why we are judicious about the use of laptops, and we don’t use them by default: there has to be a solid reason to use the digital device.”

While acknowledging that limited recreational screen time is not harmful, the Headmaster stressed that today’s devices are uniquely addictive and cannot simply be left for pupils to manage without support.

Winchester’s approach regulates all digital devices, not only mobile phones, to ensure a consistent environment that supports focus, study habits, and social development.

Key elements include:

Pupils may only have a personal mobile and a school-prescribed laptop.
In their first year, boys may use laptops only in lessons and briefly after breakfast for email. All other work is paper-based, a change that has greatly improved study habits and concentration.
In the first two years, boys can have their phones for a limited period in the early evening between the end of the day’s activities and homework. Laptops are also not allowed to leave their communal study spaces which limits their intrusion into house life and social relationships.
Older pupils may not use phones during the school day, including during extra-curricular activities in the afternoons.
All pupils, including those in Sixth Form, hand their phones in overnight.

“We accept that our approach means the experience of our pupils – particularly boarders – is radically different from typical children their age”, commented Ms Stone. “That is made possible because they are all under the same rules – so no FOMO.”

New research partnership with Oxford University

Demonstrating Winchester’s commitment to evidence-based practice, Ms Stone also announced a new research collaboration with Oxford University. Led by the College’s Dean Academic and Dr Jack Andrews, the study will examine how technology use affects academic confidence.

While much existing research focuses on the impact of mobile phones use on mental health, few studies explore how laptops and tablets influence motivation, engagement, and academic performance. The joint study will examine:

How device use affects motivation and engagement;
How pupils use their devices for learning; And
How teachers use them for teaching.

Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals to benefit the wider education sector.

“By contributing robust data, Winchester aims not only to refine its own policies but also to help shape national best practice,” commented Ms Stone.

a group of boys playing a game - from Winchester College | Independent Boarding School

More News

Discover More