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Lights, camera, fractions: how Harry Potter TV actors will juggle Hogwarts with real lessons | Tutoring

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Harry Potter may have been overjoyed at going to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, but the children playing Harry, Ron and Hermione in the forthcoming HBO TV series will vanish from their own schools for the rest of their childhoods.

Instead the child actors – along with those playing Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley and the other Hogwarts pupils – will get much of their education from tutors at a “mini-school” to be conjured up at Warner Brothers’ Leavesden studio in Watford, north of London, when filming starts later this year.

With HBO’s chief executive, Casey Bloys, saying the project will run for “10 consecutive years”, the child actors now aged between nine and 11 will spend their teens fitting lessons and exam revision around learning lines and sitting in makeup trucks.

Jo Austin, of Tayberry Tuition, which has supplied specialist on-set tutors for Netflix and BBC productions, said: “This Harry Potter series is fairly unique in that it is child-based. The children are the stars and they are going to be on screen all the time.

“I can’t imagine many days filming when you haven’t got any children on set, so I think they are going to be in there most of the time and working very hard. They will be out of school for a period of six to nine months to film and complete each series.”

Nathaniel McCullagh, a co-founder of Simply Learning Tuition, who has worked on both sides of the camera as a tutor and a director, predicted: “They’ll probably have a school at Leavesden that is essentially a series of classrooms with subject tutors, and they’ll wheel the children in and out of class just like a mini-school.

“When you start building that level of establishment you’ll need management – a head teacher, a director of studies, individual tutors. It’s far more complex than a typical on-set tutor who is tasked with looking after a couple of kids for a few hours each day for a month.

“I don’t know who is going to get the gig, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to look after maybe 30 children for months at a time and maybe longer … They have got those children for 10 years or thereabouts, and they’ll be responsible for their entire education.”

Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint starred in the Harry Potter film series for 10 years from 2001. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Judith Phillips, who worked as a tutor on the original Harry Potter films, has previously told the Guardian that the aim is for children to get at least 15 hours of teaching a week, with tutors on call from 8am. For crowd scenes such as Quidditch matches, up to 400 children could be involved.

“Time is money on the film set, so when you get a knock on the door saying they need your pupil on set, it’s not a case of finishing up what you’re working on – it’s put your pen down and go,” Phillips said.

Austin said the child actors she worked with were usually eager to be tutored. “The students we meet are very hard-working in general, I’ve yet to meet one who is a precocious brat. There are long, very boring days on film sets. Maybe in Hollywood it might be different but we’ve worked with a wide range of child actors and we’ve never had an issue with any of the students.”

McCullagh, whose company has tutored child actors in Hollywood blockbusters, said chaperones played a vital role in managing children’s workload and making sure productions stick to the legal time limits on work, which vary with age.

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“The problem with being on a film set is that there’s never enough time,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got behind the film, things go wrong. The lighting changes, the actors don’t quite pull off the performance they need or the director wants something different. So there’s always the temptation to say to a child: ‘Can you just do another take?’ That’s when the chaperone has to step in and say: ‘No’.

“If children are on set being filmed two hours a day, they’ll be in makeup and wardrobe for another two hours,” McCullagh added. “They’ll be transported from wherever they are staying, but as soon as they get in the car or step into makeup, the clock starts ticking. It’s an enormous race against time to try and get them in front of the camera and do some acting.”

Charles Bonas, the founder of Bonas MacFarlane education consultancy, worked with some of the child actors on the original Harry Potter films. He said that while those playing the major roles had “basically hit the jackpot”, they were still having to give things up – as were those with smaller but still time-consuming parts.

“There’s a wide point to make about what is in the best interest of the child,” Bonas said. “With these kids, like it or not, their academic education is going to take a back seat. And if you said that to almost anyone else they’d ask: ‘Is it worth it?’

“There’s a lot of childhood they’ll miss out on because they are sitting in these studios all day working with adults.”



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Education

Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education launches four-month Cambridge AI Leadership Programme — EdTech Innovation Hub

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July 8, 2025

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Launched in collaboration with Emeritus, a provider of short courses, degree programmes, professional certificates, and senior executive programs, the Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education course is now available for a September 2025 start. 

The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme aims to help participants navigate the complexities of AI adoptions, identify scalable opportunities and build a strategic roadmap for successful implementation. 

Using a blend of in-person and online learning, the course covers AI concepts, applications, and best practice to improve decision-making skills. It also covers digital transformation and ethical AI governance. 

The program is aimed at senior leaders looking to lead their organizations through transformations and integrate AI technologies. 

“AI is a transformative force reshaping business strategy, decision-making and leadership. Senior executives must not only understand AI but also use it to drive business goals, efficiency and new revenue opportunities,” explains Professor David Stillwell, Co-Academic Programme Director.

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme offers a strategic road map, equipping leaders with the skills and mindset to integrate AI into their organisations and lead in an AI-driven world.”

“The Cambridge AI Leadership Programme empowers decision-makers to harness AI in ways that align with their organisation’s goals and prepare for the future,” says Vesselin Popov, Co-Academic Programme Director.

 “Through a comprehensive learning experience, participants gain strategic insights and practical knowledge to drive transformation, strengthen decision-making and navigate technological shifts with confidence.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers’ businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work – resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.



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Shanklea primary school stays shut after solar panel fire

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2 hours ago

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July 8, 2025

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A primary school will remain closed until Thursday following a fire which started in solar panels on the roof.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said the blaze began just before 14:00 BST at Shanklea Primary School in Cramlington on Saturday.

No-one was injured and Northumberland County Council said the damage was “not as significant as first thought”.

The local authority said the school would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to allow remedial works and additional health and safety checks.

NFRS said five crews were sent to the scene where the solar panels on the west side of the building were ablaze.

A council spokesperson said: “School staff have worked hard alongside structural and electrical engineers to understand the extent of the damage caused by the fire.”

They added parents and carers would be informed of the next steps.



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AI’s Role in Education: Transforming How We Learn

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3 hours ago

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July 8, 2025

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a powerful force reshaping classrooms, lesson plans, and the entire learning experience. As we move further into the digital age, AI’s role in education is expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities and challenges for both students and teachers. So, what can we expect next from this technological revolution? Here’s how AI is transforming how we learn, and what the future holds for education.

How AI Is Already Changing Education

1. Personalized Learning

AI-powered platforms can analyze a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace to deliver customized lessons and resources. This means students get the support they need, when they need it—whether they’re struggling with math or excelling in science.

Examples:

Adaptive learning apps that adjust difficulty based on performance

AI tutors that provide instant feedback and explanations

Personalized study plans and practice quizzes

2. Automated Grading and Assessment

AI can quickly grade multiple-choice tests, essays, and even coding assignments, saving teachers hours of work. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

Benefits:

Faster feedback for students

More consistent and objective grading

Early identification of learning gaps

3. Smart Content Creation

AI tools can generate practice questions, summaries, and even interactive simulations. Teachers can use these resources to supplement lessons and keep students engaged.

Examples:

AI-generated flashcards and quizzes

Virtual labs and simulations for science classes

Automated reading comprehension exercises

4. Language Translation and Accessibility

AI-powered translation and speech-to-text tools break down language barriers, making education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Benefits:

Real-time translation for multilingual classrooms

Closed captioning for videos

Text-to-speech for visually impaired students

What’s Next for Students and Teachers?

1. More Immersive and Interactive Learning

AI will power virtual and augmented reality experiences, allowing students to explore historical sites, conduct science experiments, or practice languages in simulated environments—all from their classroom or home.

2. Lifelong and Self-Directed Learning

With AI-driven platforms, learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Students and professionals can access personalized courses, track their progress, and upskill at their own pace, making education a lifelong journey.

3. Smarter Classrooms and Administration

AI will help schools optimize schedules, manage resources, and even predict student needs. Smart sensors and analytics can monitor classroom engagement and suggest improvements.

4. Ethical and Privacy Considerations

As AI becomes more integrated, schools must address concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical use of technology. Expect new policies and guidelines to protect students and teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AI replace teachers?

A: No. AI is a tool to support, not replace, educators. Teachers provide the human connection, mentorship, and critical thinking skills that technology cannot replicate.

Q: How can students benefit most from AI in education?

A: By using AI tools for personalized learning, seeking instant feedback, and exploring new subjects at their own pace, students can take greater control of their education.

Q: What skills will be most important in an AI-powered classroom?

A: Critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and adaptability will be essential. Students should learn how to use AI responsibly and understand its limitations.

Q: Are there risks to using AI in education?

A: Yes. Potential risks include data privacy concerns, over-reliance on technology, and unequal access. Schools and policymakers must work to ensure AI is used ethically and equitably.

Tips for Students and Teachers

Embrace AI as a learning partner: Use AI tools to supplement, not replace, traditional study methods.

Stay curious and adaptable: Technology will keep evolving—be open to new ways of learning and teaching.

Prioritize digital literacy: Learn how AI works, its benefits, and its limitations.

Advocate for privacy and ethics: Ask questions about how your data is used and push for transparent, fair AI systems.

Conclusion

AI is transforming education in ways we could only imagine a decade ago. From personalized learning to smart classrooms, the future promises more engaging, efficient, and accessible education for all. By embracing AI thoughtfully and ethically, students and teachers can unlock new possibilities and prepare for a world where learning never stops.



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