So this is sweet – a Lancashire teacher's kind words to a 'special and unique' child who didn't do quite so well when it came to their tests has gone viral.
The letter, enclosed along with the KS2 test results, started: 'We are very proud of you as you demonstrated huge amounts of commitment and tried your very best during this tricky week. However, we are concerned that these tests do not always assess all of what it is that make each of you special and unique.'
Rachel Tomlinson, the teacher at Barrowford Primary School in Nelson, then went on to list all the ways this child is brilliant – bilingual, musical, integral to their friends' happiness, sports-keen and able to care for younger siblings.' Which is no doubt why the kid will go far - and the letter has gone far and wide on the internet.
Tomlinson said she was 'absolutely astounded' by the reaction to the letter, which has now been reproduced in national papers and seen the school's name trending on Twitter. She told the BBCthat there is no discouragement from the school for children to learn to the best of their ability: 'We never give pupils the message that academic attainment isn't important – what we do is celebrate that we send really independent, confident, articulate learners on to the next stage of their school career.'
Aw. It's those sorts of teachers who you remember the most…
Mind you: when asked about it, the Department of Education said the letter was 'a matter for the school.' Spoilsports.
Here's the letter in full:
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Pictures: Getty, Twitter
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.