Written Question·Department for Education·UIN 69096

Mathematics: Assessments

Tabled: 18 July 2025

Answered: 28 July 2025

Question

James Naish

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, on what evidential basis there is a six second time limit per question in the national multiplication tables check; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of this methodology on children wit

Answer

Catherine McKinnell

The multiplication tables check (MTC) assesses fluent recall of times tables, meaning the time available is a key element. The six second time limit was decided as the most appropriate to promote effective recall following a rigorous test development proc...

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