School transformed into Hogwarts for World Book Day

For years on World Book Day, children have turned up to class dressed as their favourite book characters.

But this year, an entire school in Essex was transformed into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as featured in the Harry Potter books and films.

For one day only, pupils at Hogarth Primary School, in Brentwood, belonged to one of Hogwarts' four houses, teachers ditched Sir and Miss to become professors, and English and maths were swapped for quidditch and potion-making classes.

"I've found it really exciting... I think everyone's really enjoyed it," said Samuel, wearing a black cloak and blue tie to represent the Ravenclaw house.

The classrooms were awash with wands and witch's hats as the staff and children embraced Harry Potter for the school's first themed World Book Day.

"It seemed like too good an opportunity to miss, being called Hogarth," deputy head teacher Lauren King said.

She was wearing a full-length black dress and green cloak inspired by Dame Maggie Smith's Professor McGonagall.

Mrs King said teachers and parents had brought in many props from home, so the school had spent less than £50 on transforming the site into JK Rowling's fictional castle.

"We also thought it was a really great way to get the children involved without having to spend lots and lots of money.

"Many of the children have got some of the things at home already, if they've dressed up as a witch, for example, at Halloween... or if they just wanted to come in a t-shirt that represents their house, that's been OK as well."

Hogwarts' Great Hall was recreated in the school hall, with teachers embracing their inner Albus Dumbledore by sitting on a stage facing the pupils during the morning assembly.

Bobby, 10, said it had been the "best day".

"I'm having so much fun."

Suela, who's in Year 6, said she had enjoyed drawing mythical creatures with her classmates and that the day had inspired her to watch the Harry Potter films.

And for Year 5 pupil Nils, a fan of the franchise, the highlight of this World Book Day was making models of fictional beasts using clay.

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