Corby school transformed into Hogwarts for magical World Book Day

Pupils at a Corby school have had a magical day as their assembly hall was transformed into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as part of World Book Week.

Kingswood Primary Academy teachers conjured up costumes and students dressed as their favourite characters to take part in a feast in the 'Great Hall', complete with golden plates and floating enchanted candles.

PE lessons were games of quidditch and reading sessions took place in the Dursley's living room in Privet Drive - with a floating cake and a flurry of owl-delivered letters.

Head of academy Andrew Bark, who was dressed as Dobby the house elf, said: "We want to immerse the children in the experience because we want to capture their imaginations. We want to inspire them.

"The staff have been absolutely amazing. They have made all the decorations and staff member Angie Middleton has organised everything. Our staff are phenomenal - they really went to town. This is the sort of thing that the children will remember for the rest of their lives."

The event marks the launch of a month-long fundraising to refurbish the academy's library that will see pupils and staff walk the equivalent distance to Sydney in Australia - a total of 16,500km.

Mr Bark said: "At Kingswood Primary Academy we have invested heavily in quality reading materials in the last few years to help foster a love for reading. We now want to improve our library to ensure the reading environment matches the standard of texts.

"We want our library to be more than a room to store our books in. We want it to be a relaxing yet immersive space for our children to escape with a good book, we want it to be a welcoming space to continue learning in."

They have set a target of £10,000 with 20 per cent to be donated to the Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre youth club.

He said: "At Kingswood Primary Academy, we are immensely proud to serve the community that we do. There is a unique sense of togetherness on the Kingswood estate, one where everyone pulls together to support each other in the best way that they can."

Staff, children and their families will be walking, running, cycling, hopping or even skipping the distance.

Each day the distances travelled by staff and children at home and at school will be added to a totaliser.

To donate to the total click here for the Just Giving page.