Please read all of Miss Jane's books. My favorite part of being a fan is this: I can like all her books and not pick a favorite. In fact I tell people my favorite JA book is the one that has them all in it!
I like the realism of Jane's books rather than the gothic romances of the Bronte'...
Do you realize JKR was not the first person to write about a school of magic? She wasn't, you just need to have your own ideas about what's going to happen to your characters - your characters should not mirror hers either.
Perhaps, taking a creative writing course will teach you some skills...