Nine-year-olds in England sit timed multiplication test—but using times tables is about more than quick recall. Story by Camilla Gilmore, Lucy Cragg, Natasha Guy • 19m.

Since the multiplication tables check was introduced in 2022, the average score in the test has increased year-on-year from 19.8 in 2022 to 20.6 in 2024. This suggests that schools are placing ...