Headteacher at the Mall School in Twickenham gave up his seat to two pupils last week, as part of a raffle prize their parents won at Christmas.

Thomas and William Latham turned up for school on Thursday, March 1, taking up their places behind their new desk where, instead of taking instructions from their teachers, they were giving them.

Thomas, 10, and William, 11, got the chance to be headmasters for the day through a charity auction at the school’s Christmas Ball.

Both pupils from the Hampton Road school thought the day was a great experience.

William said: “It was fun but tiring and I never realised how much the headmaster had to do.”

The boys began the morning by conducting a “management by walking around” tour of the school, before meeting with a prospective parent.

At break they invited a group of their friends to the headmaster’s study for tea and biscuits to talk about life at the school.

They also met with members of the senior management team to discuss recent proposals to introduce a holiday club and provide more after school activities.

In assembly the boys gave a presentation about St David’s Day, read a story and handed out certificates.

Real headmaster David Price said: “The boys really enjoyed themselves and took their responsibilities very seriously.”