What is the Multiplication Tables Check? A parent’s guide
If your child is in Year 4, they’ll take the Multiplication Tables Check in June. Here’s what actually happens, what the score means, and how to help without turning times tables into a source of stress.
What is the MTC?
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a short on-screen check that every Year 4 child in a state school in England takes. It checks whether children can recall their times tables up to 12 × 12, and it helps schools spot children who might need a bit more support.
In 2027, schools will run the check during a two-week window starting on Monday 7 June 2027. Your child’s school chooses the exact day.
What happens on the day
- Your child answers 25 times table questions on a computer or tablet, typing the answers.
- They have 6 seconds for each question, with a 3-second pause before the next one.
- There are 3 practice questions first, so they can get used to it.
- The whole thing takes no more than about 5 minutes.
- Questions come from all the tables up to 12, but the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables come up more often.
Schools can also give children a “try it out” version beforehand, so the real thing doesn’t come as a surprise.
Is there a pass mark?
No. There’s no pass mark, and nobody “fails” the MTC. Your child’s teacher will share the score with you, and the school uses the results to see which tables children are confident with and which need more practice.
Access arrangements
If your child has particular needs, the school can switch on access arrangements. These include:
- an audio version, where each question is read aloud
- a Next button in place of the automatic pause, so your child moves on when they’re ready
- a larger font or different colour contrast
- removing the on-screen number pad, or an adult typing the answers for them
- an audible alert for the time
Your child’s teacher decides what’s appropriate before June. If you think your child would benefit, have a chat with the school in the spring term.
How to help at home
The government’s own guidance for parents says no extra preparation is needed. Still, a little calm practice helps most children feel more confident:
- Little and often. Five minutes a day beats an hour on Sunday.
- Learn the tables in order. Start with 2, 5 and 10, then 3, 4 and 8, then 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12.
- Use facts they already know. 6 × 7 is 5 × 7 plus one more 7. 9 × 8 is 10 × 8 take away 8.
- Practise without the clock first. Speed comes from confidence. Timing a child before they know the facts mostly teaches them to panic.
- Try a timed practice only near the end, so the 6 seconds feels familiar rather than frightening.
How Steady Sums can help
Times Quest in Steady Sums teaches the tables in the order schools do, untimed, with the trickiest facts coming up more often. Year 4 children can also try MTC practice: 3 warm-ups and 25 questions with 6 seconds each, like the real check, with the read-aloud and Next button options too. It’s the only timed part of Steady Sums, and it’s clearly labelled.