We have a fault on our fire-alarm system at the moment. Sometimes it triggers twice a week and all 1,400 children, 150 staff and the nursery next door have to evacuate.

Well, I say “all”.

Last week, as we returned to lessons, I discovered a sixth-former in a quiet corner, studying with his head down. He had remained completely oblivious to the alarm and evacuation, not because he was absorbed by the Cold War, but because he had his headphones in.

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It was yet another example of the headphone problem in schools.

On an ordinary day, the necessity for teenagers to be plugged into a perpetual soundtrack can enrage me. Not just because I’m getting on a bit and I am notoriously grumpy, I also learnt the hard way, when aged 17, about how dangerous headphones can be.

I was on a bicycle, attempted to change the tape in my Walkman, and ended up in the boot of a parked car.

We have a clear policy that students, even sixth formers, will not use phones or earphones on the premises.

The reasons for prohibiting their use are many; health and safety is just one. Building a community of young people who talk to one another, can communicate effectively and listen without distraction is important to us. That’s not possible while students have white plastic plugs in their ears, whether they’re emitting music or not.

And, frankly, it’s pretty rude. When anyone is chatting to me with headphones in, I can’t help but feel that I am competing with Beyonce or Cardi B. I like to have their undivided attention - especially in school.

Poor communication

After all, I would not deliver an assembly, conduct parents’ evening or debate with Ofsted while wearing earphones. It is our responsibility to challenge behaviours that are unsociable even if we’d all rather be listening to music rather than other people.

It is frustrating when some staff allow students to wear them or listen to music, even when they know it is not allowed. Music does not help every child to concentrate, regardless of what they say or what they think; this is a myth.

Of course, it can sometimes help some students, but it’s not a universal truth - and not worth gambling students’ attention and focus on. If we need students to listen to audio clips, we can simply provide headphones.

But more than that, like any inconsistently applied behaviour policy, it breeds resentment between staff. The teacher that upholds expectations is confronted with “But Mr X lets us…” And there begins the conflict. Every member of staff that turns a blind eye makes things harder for their colleagues, even though this was not the intention.

I like headphones. I even own a few pairs myself. But there is a time and a place, and school is neither one of those times nor places.

Keziah Featherstone is head at Q3 Academy Tipton. She is a co-founder and national leader of #WomenEd, and a member of the Headteachers’ Roundtable. She has also co-edited the new #WomenEd book, 10% Braver, due out soon