Zack Walkter

Ben Twist was commended for his artistic flair and kindness in the letter which his mum says was so nice she could barely read it for crying. An autistic boy who failed his SATs has been given a letter from his school praising his talents which the exams didn't measure. Facebook/Gail Twist Ben Twist was given the heartwarming note by his assistant headteacher after sitting the tests earlier this year. Mum Gail says she was so touched by the letter - which was sent home with her son on the same day as the SATs results - that she could barely read it for her tears. Twitter The 11-year-old, who attends Lansbury Bridge School and Sports College in St Helens, was diagnosed with autism when he was five. Gail, also mum to the son, Joseph, who is 13 and daughter, Ava, aged seven, says she couldn't be more proud of Ben for sitting the exams. "I was so proud to be told that Ben was going to be able to take his SATs because not many children at the school do." Twitter "I wasn't expecting him to pass and he didn't but I was so proud of him and he was proud of himself for trying and that's a massive achievement for him." "The letter came as a complete surprise, it was just so wonderful and the most beautiful letter I've ever read." "The fact that they'd addressed it to Ben was just so lovely too, he was so surprised and said how 'awesome' it was and couldn't believe they really thought that about him." Facebook/Gail Twist "He's such a sensitive and loving child and he's got an amazing sense of humor - it's amazing that the school are able to recognize that our children have other qualities than what they are tested on." Until September of last year, Ben was in a mainstream school that he loved, but his parents noticed he had fallen behind so decided it would be best to enroll him in a specialist school. Since attending Lansbury Bridge School, Gail said Ben had made a massive improvement and was getting the one to one support he needed. Before, he used to get stressed when going to school but now is also excited to go and has made a best friend. Facebook/Gail Twist On Friday, Ben came home with two letters, one with his results addressed to his parents and the other one addressed to him from the school's assistant headteacher Ruth Clarkson. Gail was so moved by the letter to Ben decided to share the letter on social media which has since been shared more than 2,000 times. She said: "Ben's made me so proud and I thought it was really important to share something this nice with other people. "I think more schools should recognize the arts and music alongside maths and English. "There's definitely more to a child than just answering exam questions and these qualities should be recognized more. Twitter "Since sharing it I've had an amazing response. The internet can be such a cruel place so it's great to know that this has made someone's day." Jane Grecic, the headteacher at Lansbury Bridge School and Sports College, said: "As a special school, we usually only have a very small number of pupils who are able to take their SATs. "Ben was our only entry this year and in the run-up to the tests, he worked extremely hard supported throughout by everyone in his class team, Ruth Clarkson, and his family. "The letter Ruth sent him is similar to one she sent last year to another pupil but obviously this one was personalized for Ben outlining his key strengths and interests. Mercury "Ruth sent it for no reason other than to reassure Ben that he is a wonderfully talented young man regardless of the outcome of the tests. "All of our pupils are very special, unique individuals whose qualities aren't always measurable through standard testing. We are still, however, in a position to be able to celebrate their individuality and achievements of which there are many." Credits: mirror.co.uk