The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

June 2025

Please see more information about the MTC after the resources section. Thank you! 

Link to Maths Frame - Maths Frame

Link to Times Tables Rock Stars - TTRS

What is the MTC?

The multiplication tables check, commonly referred to as the MTC, is a check taken by children in year 4 when they are usually either 8 or 9 years old. It’s statutory in most schools, including state-funded maintained schools, academies and special schools. The MTC is taken during a 2-3 week window in June.

What is the aim of the MTC?

As the name suggests, the MTC is designed to check children’s ability to recall facts from the times tables. It is based around the national curriculum for England objective which states that ‘by the end of year 4, pupils should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including the 12 multiplication table and show precision and fluency in their work’.

How is the MTC sat?

The MTC is an online, on-screen digital assessment which takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Children will complete it using a tablet or computer. There is a ‘try it out’ check that they can use to practise the format of the test, which schools will have access to from April. Children can also access ‘Maths Frame’ (a game which can be found on BGfL or on the internet), and 'soundcheck' within TTRS. These are both mock MTC tests and ones we will be using regularly in school – at least once a week.

How many questions will my child need to answer?

The MTC is made up of 25 questions. These questions are not ordered according to how tricky they are. They’ll have 6 seconds to input their answer to each question using the on-screen number pad. There’s a 3-second pause after each question for your child to catch their breath.

What kind of questions will my child need to answer?

The 25 questions are made up of a random collection of facts from the 2 to 12 times tables, with a slightly greater emphasis on questions from the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables. This means that there are a total of 121 possible questions that your child could be asked, but remember, they’ll only be asked 25 of them. These questions are not ordered in any way. If a question has been asked already, it won’t be asked again in the reverse order, so if they have

already answered 6 x 4, they won’t be asked to solve 4 x 6. Each question is laid out in the same way, for example, 3 x 5 = [  ].

When will I find out how my child has got on?

The MTC is marked automatically as soon as your child completes the test. These scores are made available to schools once the assessment window closes. Your child’s teacher will then be able to share the results with you.

What score does my child need to get in order to pass the MTC?

There is no pass mark for the MTC. Your child effectively can neither pass nor fail the check. The purpose of the check is simply for schools and teachers to identify areas where children may need extra help. For example, if an entire cohort of children in a school struggles with questions on the 9 times table, that school will then be aware that they need to have more of a focus on the 9 times table moving forward.

My child has additional needs. Will they be able to take the MTC?

The MTC has been designed to be as inclusive as possible. However, some children may still need additional support to complete it. While it is not possible for children to be given additional time to complete the MTC, there are some ways that teachers can adapt the check to provide additional support. This can include using an audio version where the device will read out the questions for the child, changing the colour contrast or font size or swapping the 3-second automatic pause between questions for a ‘next’ button, amongst others.

What happens if my child is absent on the day that their class takes the MTC?

Schools have a 2-week testing window during which all year 4 children should try to sit the check. If a child is absent, there is an additional week where teachers can support children who missed out. If a child is absent through the entire 3-week period, they are unable to take the check.

How can I help my child prepare for the MTC?

If you’re concerned about your child’s times tables fluency, you can support them by having them practise little and often at home.

Going on Times Tables Rockstars and using the soundcheck game on TTRS or the Maths Frame game as often as possible will really help. There are also many apps, online games and activity sheets that you can use to help your child memorise their times tables. There are also many songs and fun videos to be found online.