A SCHOOL in Trowbridge resembled Hogwarts on Monday as pupils were sorted into three different houses.

With acting headteacher of West Ashton Scool, Stuart Porter, playing the role of Dumbledore, pupils were called up to the stage one-by-one before being placed into three houses, Oak, Birch and Willow, at the fate of the sorting hat.

Mr Porter, who is also headteacher at The Avenue in Warminster, said: “There was a real buzz at the school on Monday as pupils were sorted into houses.

“The house system will highlight a sense of community within the school and has already encouraged a bit of friendly competition with pupils and staff vying to be the best house.

“Every pupil now has a badge which represents their respective house and there are captains from each who form leadership teams that will meet with me weekly to discuss how to take the school forward.

“It was great to see that the children really embraced it; all of them were really excited to see which house they were going to fall into.”

West Ashton School was rated as 'inadequate' at its latest Ofsted inspection in March last year, but Mr Porter is positive of its future.

“This house system represents a fresh start at the school,” he added.

“It’s now part of the Acorn Education Trust and will collaborate with the other schools in the trust to move forward in the best possible way.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the school, with the three trees of the house system symbolising change and growth.”

Mr Porter added that he has received ‘fantastic support’ since becoming headteacher at West Ashton School in February.