Proposals for a Hogwarts-style house system to boost discipline in comprehensive schools have been backed by the Liberal Democrats. Education spokesman Ed Davey, speaking at the party's conference, urged the creation of "schools within schools" .
This would promote a sense of belonging and give schools the feel of a "village", he added.
He said children would know the house system from the Harry Potter book which features Hogwarts School.
Mr Davey told reporters: "The structure and discipline that a house system promotes is one of the reasons parents choose to send their children to independent schools.
"If it's good enough for Eton, it's good enough for every school."
He said Lib Dems wanted to "break down large, soulless concrete comprehensives and create schools as villages where pupils feel they belong".
He also argued for smaller class sizes and a more engaging curriculum.
The proposals, which were backed unanimously by delegates, also included tougher measures to stamp out violence in schools, allowing police to be involved immediately in cases of assaults on teachers by pupils or parents.
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