Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Winchester College Returns to Pen and Paper for Learning
Winchester College is asking students to use paper and pens for much of their schoolwork.
The school thinks laptops can make it harder for students to pay attention.
Its head, Elizabeth Stone, says switching between tasks is not the same as doing them all at once.
Teachers are expected to use computers only when they offer a clear learning benefit.
Some pupils must do their homework on paper.
Students over age 9 can use only basic brick phones at school and in boarding houses.
Computers have not been banned completely.
Pupils still use them for activities such as AI, 3D modelling, climate simulations and language flashcards.
Winchester College has made pen and paper the default for much classwork and homework.
Head Elizabeth Stone said laptops can distract pupils and fragment their attention.
Since September last year, pupils have been asked to use laptops only when they benefit a lesson.
Pupils aged 9–10 and 13–15 must complete homework using only pen and paper.
Students over age 9 may use only brick phones at school and in boarding houses, while computers remain in use for selected learning activities.
- Who
- Winchester College, its pupils and teachers; the school’s head is Elizabeth Stone.
- What
- The school has made pen-and-paper work the default for much classwork and homework, while limiting laptop and phone use.
- When
- The laptop guidance has been in place since September last year; the article does not specify the publication date.
- Where
- Winchester College in Hampshire, United Kingdom.
- Why
- The school is concerned that laptops can distract pupils and hinder learning.
Limit technology
Use technology selectively
Laptops in lessons
Limit technology
Elizabeth Stone says laptops can distract pupils and fragment their attention, so they should not be the default way of working.
Use technology selectively
The school still permits computers when teachers can show a concrete, substantial educational benefit.
- School
- Winchester College
- Location
- Hampshire, United Kingdom
- Founded
- 1382
- Pupil ages stated
- 13–18
- Paper-only homework groups
- Pupils aged 9–10 and 13–15
- Laptop guidance
- Use laptops only when there is a clear educational benefit
- Phone rule
- Students over age 9 may use only brick phones at school and in boarding houses
- Computer uses retained
- AI, 3D mathematical modelling, climate simulations and flashcards