THOUSANDS of primary school children are to take a new times tables check this spring as part of trials of the Government test.

Ministers confirmed plans to bring in the multiplication check, which will be taken by eight and nine-year-olds in England, following a review of primary school assessment.

The Department for Education (DfE) has now said it will trial the test this spring ahead of a full roll-out over the next two years.

While supporters have argued that the check will help to ensure that all children know their tables up to 12 off by heart, the move has been controversial, with opponents, including some teaching unions, raising concerns about the educational benefits.

It is understood that around 290 primaries in England, around 7,250 pupils, are expected to take part in the trials.

Two trials have already taken place.

The test will last a maximum of five minutes and allow teachers to monitor a child's progress, the DfE said.

See how quickly you can answer these questions in our times tables quiz