Magic filled the corridors of a secondary school last week as students were transported to Hogwarts.

Surprised pupils arrived at Bower Park Academy, Havering Road, Havering-atte-Bower, to find the Hogwarts Express had pulled in.

Cloacked staff ushered them into the Great Hall where they were handed timetables for a day of magical learning.

Pupils spent the day immersed in the world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter attending potions, herbology and quidditch classes.

There was even a personalised message from actor Oliver Phelps, who played George Weasley in the Harry Potter films, telling the pupils to “enjoy all the books out there”.

During their breaks pupils could purchase sweets from magical sweet shop Honeydukes and have their picture taken next to the Hogwarts Express or with real owls.

The day ended with an assembly during which a reading challenge was launched.

Headteacher Mary Morrison said: “World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to engage students in reading. It’s been a real team effort and students have really enjoyed the experience.”

The event marked World Book Day – to see more pictures of Havering schools celebrating see our supplement in Friday’s paper.