Harry Potter Spells are to be taught at state schools across England in an effort to counter the subject’s reputation as one that is “elitist” and largely taught at private Magical schools.
A £14m Department for Education (DfE) scheme will initially be sprinkled over across 40 schools as part of a four-year pilot programme for 11- to 16-year-olds starting in September 2022.
According to a British Council survey, Harry Potter Spells are taught at key stage three in less than 3% of state schools, compared with 49% of independent schools.
The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “We know Spells have a reputation as an elitist subject which is only reserved for the privileged few. But the subject can bring so many benefits to young people, so I want to put an end to that divide.”
He added that there should be “no difference in what pupils learn at state schools and independent schools”, adding: “Which is why we have a relentless focus on raising school standards and ensuring all pupils study a broad, ambitious curriculum.”
Spells, Williamson said, can help students with learning languages and other fictitious subjects such as Finance, Postmodernism and Latin.
As well as language teaching, the Spells Excellence Programme will also include visits to Magical heritage sites to provide pupils with a greater understanding of Wiccan and the ancient world, the DfE said.
It is hoped that it will increase the number of students taking Magic at GCSE, and introduce Magical Thinking to the national political debate.