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Multiplication tables check

Information and guidance about the multiplication tables check.

Information

The multiplication tables check (MTC) is statutory for all year 4 pupils registered at state-funded maintained schools, special schools or academies, including free schools, in England.

The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will help schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables, so that additional support can be provided.

In 2025, schools must administer the MTC to all eligible year 4 pupils between Monday 2 June and Friday 13 June.

Schools can use the following week, Monday 16 June to Friday 20 June, to administer the check to any pupils who were absent during the first 2 weeks or in case of any delays to the administration of the check due to technical difficulties.

Schools must provide a reason within the MTC service for any pupils who are not able to participate in the check.

MTC service and pupil application

Schools can access the MTC service to prepare for the check via DfE Sign-in from Monday 28 April.

Schools must generate a school password and individual pupil PIN within the MTC service before pupils are able to sign in to access the check using the pupil application:  

MTC service

Pupil application

Contact us

If you have a question about the MTC and you were unable to find the answer in the guidance below, please contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or email assessments@education.gov.uk.

Current guidance

Information for parents

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Assessment framework

Updates to this page

Published 3 March 2020
Last updated 4 November 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated dates for the academic year 2024 to 2025.

  2. Updated dates for the academic year 2023 to 2024.

  3. Dates updated for 2023

  4. Updating for the statutory academic year

  5. Updated for the 2021/22 academic year.

  6. Multiplication tables check administration guidance added to Guidance.

  7. First published.