Excelsior Academy in Hackney, east London, is the most improved sixth form in the country after results jumped by an entire grade in 2024.
The average grade at A Level went from a C to a B in the space of just one year, according to government statistics.
The improvement follows a complete ban on phones, with mobiles confiscated if used during class time.
They have also introduced a smart new dress code with students required to wear business attire.
Super head Omar Deria says the personalities of students have changed significantly since the ban.
He said: “Banning mobile phones in the sixth form has been a game changer for our students.
“The impact in the classroom has been nothing short of miraculous.
“You are dealing with completely different people, their personalities are different.
“They are more articulate, chattier, nicer, more engaged not just with the learning but with other people in general.
“They are flourishing in a way that I haven’t seen before, they are different and it’s great to see.
“Just shows what a huge impact these phones are having on young people.
“Before the changes were introduced the students were often unresponsive, that has changed.
“I expected an improvement in grades, that’s why we did it; the change in personality took even me by surprise.”
Student Falma Hashi said: “Since we can’t have mobile phones at school I have become a lot more open to group social activities.
“Yesterday we played some card games and just talked rather than all sitting alone on our phones, head down not talking.
“Whereas our shared space used to be quiet with everyone on their phones, now it is full of laughter and games being played.
“When you are on your phone you spend a lot of time comparing yourself to people who seem to have this amazing life.
“When you are with your peers you don’t do that as much.
“You see, everyone is really the same as you, without the filters.”
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