• Year 4 • Multiplication Tables Check
Every Year 4 pupil at a state school in England takes the multiplication tables check (MTC) in June. This guide explains how the check works, the 2027 dates, what the scores mean and how you can help your child with their times tables at home.
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The Quick Answer
- The MTC is an onscreen check of 25 times tables questions up to 12 × 12.
- Pupils have 6 seconds to answer each question and the check usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
- In 2027 schools hold the check in the 2 weeks from Monday 7 June.
- There is no pass mark. Your child’s teacher will share their score with you.
What Is the Multiplication Tables Check?
The MTC is a statutory check for all Year 4 pupils at maintained schools, academies, free schools and special schools in England. Its purpose is to find out whether pupils can recall their times tables up to 12 fluently, which is essential for future success in maths. It also helps schools spot pupils who need extra support.
How the Check Works
- Pupils answer 3 practice questions first.
- They then answer 25 times tables questions on screen.
- They have 6 seconds to answer each question.
- On average, the check takes no more than 5 minutes.
Schools can use a “try it out” area from April so pupils can get used to the format and any access arrangements they need.
MTC Dates for 2027
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday 26 April | Schools can access the MTC service and the try it out area |
| Monday 7 June | The 2-week check period begins |
| Monday 21 June to Friday 25 June | Catch-up week for absent pupils or technical problems |
| Friday 25 June | Deadline for all pupils to complete the check |
| Monday 28 June | Schools can see their pupils’ scores |
The check will be held in the 2 weeks from Monday 5 June in 2028 and Monday 4 June in 2029.
What the Scores Mean
Each pupil gets a score out of 25. There is no pass mark and no expected standard. Schools use the results to decide which pupils need more help with their times tables. Your child’s teacher will tell you their score.
School-level results are not published. The Department for Education publishes national and local authority results each November.
National Results
| Year | Average score | Pupils scoring 25 out of 25 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 19.8 | 27% |
| 2024 | 20.6 | 34% |
| 2025 | 21.0 | 37% |
Full marks is the most common score. Results for 2026 are due to be published in November 2026.
Who Does Not Take the Check?
The headteacher decides whether a pupil should take the check. A pupil should not take it if, for example, they are absent for the whole check period, cannot access it even with access arrangements or are working below the expected standard for Year 2 in times tables. If your child does not take the check, the school must tell you and explain how they are helping your child learn their times tables.
Is the MTC Staying?
Yes. The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommended keeping the MTC as an important indicator of times tables knowledge. The government agreed that the timed format is important, but said it will work with the Standards and Testing Agency to reduce any unintended impacts. The review also asked for better access arrangements for pupils with some special educational needs.
How to Help at Home
You do not need to do anything special to prepare your child, but regular times tables practice helps. Try:
- little and often: five minutes a day works better than one long session
- mixing it up: ask questions out of order once your child knows a table in sequence
- related facts: if your child knows 3 × 8 = 24, show them 8 × 3 and 24 ÷ 8
- games and apps: quick, timed games build the fast recall the check is looking for
Tip: keep a note of the facts your child gets wrong and spend most of your practice time on those.
The check puts an emphasis on the hardest tables. Our guides to the 7 times table and 12 times table have strategies and practice questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for the multiplication tables check?
There is no pass mark. Pupils get a score out of 25 and schools use it to plan support.
When is the multiplication tables check in 2027?
Schools must hold the check in the 2 weeks from Monday 7 June 2027.
Will I be told my child’s score?
Yes. Schools must report your child’s score to you by the end of the summer term.
Are MTC results published?
School results are not published. National and local authority results are published each November.
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Sources: Standards and Testing Agency, Multiplication tables check: information for parents, 2027 KS2 assessment and reporting arrangements and Primary assessments: future dates; Department for Education, Multiplication tables check attainment 2024/25, Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and government response.
