Autistic Crawley boy is a maths master

A YOUNG boy who has severe learning difficulties has defied the odds to get the highest possible exam mark for his age.

Gilberto Silva, 11, who attends Manor Green Primary School, is the first pupil ever from the special needs school to get a level five in his SATS maths exam.

The year six pupil, who suffers from autism, made everyone at home and at school proud after acing the exam.

Proud mum Ana Silva, of Therow Gardens, Southgate said: "I was very happy when the school rang to tell me about my son's grade.

"He deserves it.

"He did a lot of hard work at home, and I know he was working really hard in school.

"He loves school. I am very proud of him."

The Key Stage Two SATS exams are sat at every primary school by every year six pupil in the country.

The national exams are sat in English, Maths and Science - to give a snapshot on how schools and pupils are performing.

By government guidelines most children are expected to get a level four.

Level five is the highest grade possible for an 11-year-old.

Many pupils don't even take the exam, while a level five is regarded as an exceptional score for a child without learning disabilities.

Gilberto told The News he has always had a talent for number-crunching.

The young maths whizz said: "It was a very hard test.

"Maths is my speciality. I was really happy to see my score."

Dave Reid, headteacher at the school, in Lady Margaret Road, Ifield, was amazed by Gilberto's performance.

He said: "We're all so proud of him, Gilberto worked really hard to get such a good grade.

"It is the highest grade anyone has ever got in this school.

"He is a credit to the school, and all of his teachers say he is a pleasure to work with."