Harry Potter and Fight Club actor Helena Bonham Carter was at Elizabeth Garett Anderson School last week to congratulate girls from the school on their work in Africa.

Bonham Carter visited the school in Donegal Street in her capacity as a patron of charity Broaden Out Their Horizons (BOTH), which was set up by two teachers at the school.

Ten girls from the school went to South African in the summer to live and work of their partner school, Magoba JSS, and will host students they met when they come to London in February.

Both legs of the trip were funded by BOTH which aims to open school children’s eyes to new opportunities.

Bonham Carter, speaking to the pupils on her visit, said: “You must know you are not normal - what you have achieved is amazing. Go to sleep tonight knowing you are marvellous.”

Martha Braggins, director of BOTH and assistant headteacher at EGA, said: “The students inspired us all with their maturity, eloquence and empathy, they really are the best ambassadors we could ask for.”