All state-funded maintained schools and academies (including free schools) in England are required to administer an online multiplication tables check (MTC). Read the guidance and see how you can help prepare students using Purple Mash's fantastic Multiplication Tables Check tool.

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 helps schools to identify pupils who have not yet mastered their times tables so that additional support can be provided. Schools will have a two-week window to administer the MTC starting on Monday, 3rd June 2024. If any pupils are absent during those two weeks, they can complete the check the following week (17th-21st June).

Prior to the mandatory check window, which is open for schools between Monday 3rd to Friday 14th June, schools can provide pupils with access to a try it out area to familiarize themselves with the system which is available from Monday 8th April.

The check focuses on the 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 times tables because, as the DfE states, “these have been determined to be the most difficult multiplication tables”. There are 25 questions and pupils are given six seconds to answer each question.

Each pupil’s score out of 25 will be reported to the school – there will be no expected standard threshold. Children will be tested using an on-screen check (on a computer or a tablet), where they will have to answer multiplication questions against the clock.  The test will last no longer than 5 minutes and their answers will be marked instantly.

Purple Mash's MTC Tool

Here at 2Simple, we want to keep you not only updated but also to remind you about one of our 9000 resources on Purple Mash – The Multiplication Tables Check.

This has been designed to mirror the format of the Government Multiplication Tables Check but includes additional features to help maximise pupil performance when they come to take the real test.

It’s been designed to be easy to use and accessible to all children in the school, including those with visual impairments and can also be assigned to any pupil in just a couple of clicks.

There's even the option for pupils to complete it during or outside school hours. Every time a pupil accesses the tables check, data is generated, which is then presented in our easy to view Data Dashboard. This has options to exclude or include specific parameters e.g. completed during school hours.

The use of data makes it easy for teachers to check individual and whole-class progression, as well as pinpoint any areas which children may be finding difficult.

The Multiplication Tables Check is a great tool in Purple Mash which we hope that you will enjoy using on any desktop or tablet device!