Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)

The multiplication tables check (abbrev. MTC) is a recent addition to the Year 4 curriculum, as of 2020. Taking place in June every year, schools across England are required to have their Year 4 pupils participate in it. This article will go into more detail into what it consists of, and ways you can have your child prepare for it.

What exactly is the multiplication tables check, and why is it important?

The purpose of the check is to determine whether your child can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, since this will be necessary for their future success in mathematics.

But more importantly, it is used to find out which pupils are struggling with their times tables, so they can receive extra support. It should be noted that it is not a judgement on what each child is capable of, therefore there is no "pass mark".

The exact details of the MTC are as follows:

• It is an online test
• It consists of 25 questions
  
• Each question will be on times tables from two to 12
  
• Given six seconds per question
  
• (Also a three second rest between each question).

On average, the test should last no longer than five minutes.