A school played host to award-winning Sherlock actor Andrew Scott as an upcoming movie was filmed onsite last week.

The Hope Rooms, directed by Sam Yates, stars the Irish actor who plays Moriarty in BBC’s Sherlock and is set to appear in the upcoming James Bond film Spectre.

Filming took place at various locations across the Snaresbrook’s Forest School, including the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre.

Due to be released next year, The Hope Rooms is inspired by the one-act play Purgatory by W.B. Yeats, and explores themes of shame, loneliness and forgiveness.

Forest School’s bursar Diane Coombs said: “The school was delighted to welcome the film crew to Forest for the day, and to be able provide suitable locations for their filming.

“The Forest pupils and staff involved all enjoyed their day with the crew, and we all look forward to the film’s release.”

The private school was previously used for the filming of Never Let Me Go which starred Kiera Knightley and Carey Mulligan.

Forest pupils got the chance to become extras in several of the scenes, including one filmed at the leisure centre’s swimming pool.

Sixth form student, Olivia Jelks, said: “It was great fun to be part of the filming and to see how much effort goes into a scene of a film.”

Another sixth form student, Lucy Machado, added: “I really enjoyed being part of the film set for the day.”

Andrew Scott, who won a best supporting actor BAFTA for his role in Sherlock, offered some words of wisdom to people hoping to get into acting.

He said: “I would just say to really enjoy it, try and do as much as you can to get all sorts of experience, whether it is professional or amateur.

“Just enjoy it.

“I’ve had a great morning at Forest filming, it provided a great setting.”