What is the Year 4 multiplication tables check?

In June 2020, the new Year 4 multiplication tables check will become statutory. Your child will need to take a short online test to make sure their times tables knowledge is at the expected level.

What does the check consist of?

The multiplication tables check is an online test for pupils in Year 4. Pupils are asked to answer 25 questions on times tables from two to 12. They are given six seconds per question, with three seconds rest between each question, so the test should last less than five minutes.

Questions about the six, seven, eight, nine, and 12 times tables are likely to come up most often, as these are the hardest for most children to learn. It’s a good idea to focus on these tricky times tables with your child.

When is the check going to happen?

Your child may have taken part in the large-scale trial of the times tables check that took place between 10–28th June 2019. In June 2020, every school would have been required by law to take part in the check. However, due to ongoing school closures the Year 4 multiplication check will not be taking place this school year.

How can I help my child prepare?

The best way to keep the test stress-free is to work some times tables practice into your daily routine well in advance. With regular practice, your child will get used to tackling these kind of questions with confidence.

Five top tips to help:

1.  Use times tables wall charts - Put these somewhere they will be seen often.
2. Learn the tricks for difficult times tables - Tackle these together using a rhyme or pattern.
3. Play times tables games - Play snap or ask random questions throughout the day. Keep this short and sweet.  
4. Make it  real - Link to real life context. For example scale up a recipe, calculate an amount of sweets.
5. Practise on the computer - Get them used to answering questions on a screen at speed.