A BELVEDERE school has angered parents after banning students from bringing smart phones to school.

Parents claim Trinity Church of England School, in Erith Road, searched students last week and confiscated phones found to be against new rules.

Mums and dads say they are being forced to buy a cheaper alternative so their children have the protection of a phone for the journey to and from school.

In a letter addressed to parents, headteacher Ian Collins stated “a simple phone and text device is all that is acceptable, without camera, internet or video capability.”

He goes on to suggest such a phone is available for "around £10 from Argos or any large supermarket".

Alex Buckingham, mother of children in Years 9 and 11, said: “It would be fairer if they disciplined the kids known to misbehave rather than punish the whole school.

“My mum spent £40 on new phones for them because she felt a bit sorry for them.”

Susan Harris from Barnehurst, whose grandchildren are in Years 7 and 9, said: “My grandchildren wanted to keep their SIM card so they had to buy a certain phone.

"It meant they couldn’t buy the Argos one the school mentioned and they had to pay more.”

Another parent of a Year 11 student, who asked not to be named, said: “I know some of the girls have their phones in their bras and the boys have them in their boxers.

“My son has a contract on his smart phone and he has been told it invalidates the insurance if you remove the SIM card.

“I believe it stemmed from a picture of a teacher on a school trip and they superimposed the teachers head onto something.”

The ban does not include sixth formers who are still allowed to bring their smart phones to school.

Headteacher Ian Collins told News Shopper: “Pupils were not 'searched'.

On rare occasions if a pupil said they did not have a phone they were asked to open their school bag and the staff member looked into it without touching it.

“There has been an increase in the theft of such smart phones on journeys to and from school and I wish to protect our pupils from such occurrences.

“There have been a small number of incidents where phones have been used in breaks, after school and very occasionally during lessons to film or photograph inappropriately.

“Finally, I am conscious that such phones were used extensively during the recent local unrest and I am trying as far as possible to ensure our students are not involved in any further events of this nature.”