Minister ducks TV maths challenge as new times tables test trialled

THE MINISTER responsible for a new times tables check for primary school children refused to answer a multiplication sum on television. Nick Gibb was asked by Good

Morning Britain presenter Jeremy Kyle what the answer is to eight times nine.

But the School Standards Minister did not answer, instead telling Mr Kyle and fellow present Kate Garraway: “I’m not going to get into this, I’ve learnt through bitter experience never to answer these kinds of questions on live television.” He added: “I’m very tempted to, but I’m not going to.”

Ms Garraway told Mr Gibb he was a “very successful person, who clearly can add up and do maths”, adding: “Why is it so important for an eight-year-old to do it when clearly you feel vulnerable about it, and there you are, a Government minister?”

The minister responded: “No eight-year-old or nine-year-old will be doing it on live television.”

Mr Gibb was on the programme to talk about the Government’s new times table check for eight and nine-year-olds, which will be trialled by thousands of youngsters this spring.

Ministers confirmed plans to bring in the multiplication test – which will be taken by eight and nine-year-olds in England – last autumn, following a review.

The Department for Education now says 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 raising concerns about the educational benefits. The National Association of Head Teachers said the move was “hugely disappointing”.