De Stafford school in Caterham became Hogwarts for a night recently as Year Seven pupils took part in the international Harry Potter Book Night with an evening of special wizard-themed celebrations and activities.

Surrounded by floating candles, pupils were divided into the four houses of the world renowned sorcery school – Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw – by the famous sorting hat.

The evening’s entertainments included a visit to the school’s Food Technology department to decorate Spider Spell cup-cakes, played Quidditch in the gym, making wands and owls in the art room, science experiments and Bertie Bott’s beans and butter beer in the school library.

“JK Rowling’s wonderful books have been around for nearly a generation now, so millions of children all round the world have grown up with Hogwarts and all things Potter as part of their lives,” said Learning Resource centre manager Sam Pett, who organised the event.

“With so many other fans around the world taking part in this evening of celebration and festivities, we thought it would be wonderful to bring a touch of magic to de Stafford for a night to remember – and everyone involved absolutely loved it.”

The school’s senior professional tutor James Hogg paid tribute to the contribution made by the volunteers who helped run the event. “It was a huge success, and the literacy team would like to say a massive thank you to everybody who lent us props or helped with the celebration," he said.

"Particular thanks are due to our amazing Year 11 students who led the house groups and assisted with all the activities. This was a night we will all remember for a long time."

The event was one of the biggest extra-curricular activities organised at the school since it joined the GLF Schools group multi-academy trust just before Christmas. GLF is a Surrey-based group which runs more than 20 schools across the south east of England, from new-build primaries to 90-year-old secondary schools.