A HOGWARTS inspired half-term magic school opened its doors for two days at Oxford Playhouse.

Professional magicians Rhys Morgan and Rob West shared their secrets with the budding wizards at a workshop.

The pair, who both live in Headington, were teaching a more traditional national curriculum syllabus of chemistry, physics and maths to pupils at Wantage King Alfred’s College up until last year when they swapped the school room for the stage.

A group of 13 to 16-year-olds took part in the workshop on Monday and Tuesday.

Mr Morgan said: “It went really well, the kids enjoyed themselves a lot.

“We were trying to do magic with things that you find around the house. We wanted to show them practical things they can have fun with and show their families and friends, rather than saying ‘you’ve got to have a pack of cards’.

“We taught them our own version of the oldest magic tricks in the world – the cups and balls trick.

“We also did some mind reading. They were really enjoying themselves.

“It was really quite surprising how they ran with ideas and explored them.”