Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was created from the imagination of author JK Rowling. Jane Helmich compares it with the modern-day comprehensive Wyedean, where Ms Rowling was once a pupil.

Head teacher: John Claydon AGE: Much younger than 150, he has been head at Wyedean for 12 years. SCHOOL: Comprehensive mixed day school for muggles aged between 11 and 18. Pupils can travel to school on bus, in cars or by foot.

HIS INTERESTS: Reading history and crime fiction. Only needs woollen socks when playing football against the sixth form. Mr Claydon describes it as a "very happy" family school. He knows pretty quickly if anything has happened.

TYPICAL LESSONS FOR A YEAR SEVEN PUPIL (FIRST YEAR): English, mathematics, science, Ger-man, information technology, music and religious study. Need text books, writing books and pens. UNIFORM: Smart, traditional with tie. Definitely no cloaks...

SPORTS: Traditional and including football. Strictly earthbound and not inherently dangerous. Can be played inside or outside.

MEALS: Provided at lunchtime in school canteen. Pupils can also refuel at snack shop where food is laid out for them to choose and buy after they have queued.

Hogwarts: Head teacher: Albus Dumbledore AGE: More than 150 years old. SCHOOL: Remote boarding school for 11 to 18-year-olds which can only be reached by travelling on the Hogwart's Express which leaves platform 9 and three quarters at King's Cross Station, London, and then by boat. Muggles (ordinary people) definitely not allowed, but children with one muggle parent and one witch or wizard can become pupils.

HIS INTERESTS: Literature, alchemy and thick woollen socks. l Albus Dumbledore is the school's most respected figure, wise and seemingly omniscient. He keeps a watchful eye on Harry and other pupils.

TYPICAL LESSONS FOR A FIRST YEAR PUPIL: Levitation, transfiguration (changing people), potions, defence against the dark arts, and flying. Text books include Book of Spells. Use quills. Broomstick and wand essential.

UNIFORM: Traditional with school blazer, bearing crest, and tie. Pupils also wear gowns and Harry goes one better by having an invisibility cloak which makes the wearer...invisible.

SPORTS: Appears to be only one game played at the school - Quidditch. Played in the air on broomsticks, the seven-strong team score points by scoring goals with the quaffle. The side's beaters have to protect their teams from the two bludgers which try to knock players off their broomsticks. Game comes to a sudden end if a seeker - one on each team - catches the golden snitch to bring victory to his side. Quidditch is very fast and extremely dangerous.

MEALS: Pupils sit at long refectory tables in the impressive dining hall where fabulous feasts are served - by magic. No queuing, no paying and probably no washing up for kitchen staff.

HARRY Potter Week information can also be found on our website: www.thisisgwent.co.uk.