FORGET Hogwarts, a primary school in Bolton was the place to be for some magical learning.

Staff cast their spell in High Lawn Primary School to transform it into the famed school from the Harry Potter books this week.

To the delight of children at the Sharples School, the timetable was to the delight of children was filled with Harry Potter-inspired lessons when the school held a special day to explore the magic of science.

And teachers said reactions — both chemical and otherwise — could not have been better on a day that boosted the profile of the subject.

Foundation stage pupils investigated the science of chromatography —the separation of colours — by teasing out the different colours in Skittles sweets.

Key Stage One pupils made some weird and wonderful potions using ingredients ranging from dragons’ drool and phoenix feathers to unicorn hair and bat droppings all in the name of science.

Key Stage Two pupils enjoyed creating electrical circuits, producing slime and investigating some amazing rising raisins.

The fascinated youngsters also learned how to pierce a plastic bag of water with a pencil without a drop of liquid leaking out.

The day was organised by Gayle Sharples, teacher and science leader at the Holden Avenue school.

She said: “It was all about enthusing and engaging the children in science.

“It was very hands-on, very practical and very messy – something that the children thoroughly enjoyed.”

Children swapped their usual uniform for that of Hogwarts, and staff also captured the spirit of the day by turning up in costume.

Pupils described the day as magic.

Year Five pupil Eleanor Storey, aged 10, said: "It was really good fun and I liked the way we could all have a go,” she said. “It was an enjoyable way of learning more about science and it’s made me want to try out some of the investigations at home."