New students at Eton, the poshest of Britain's elite private schools, will not be allowed smartphones

London — Eton College, arguably the poshest, most elite boarding school in Britain, is banning incoming students from having smartphones.  

Eton, located near the royal palace in Windsor, just west of London, is renowned for its academic excellence. Notable alumni include Princes William and Harry, as well as novelist George Orwell, James Bond creator Ian Fleming and a long list of former prime ministers, including recent leaders Boris Johnson and David Cameron.  

The ban, which is due to take effect in September, comes after the U.K. government issued guidance backing school principals who decide to ban the use of cellphones during the school day in an effort to minimize disruption and improve classroom behavior.