PLANS to introduce new times tables tests in primary schools have been criticised by teaching unions and East Lancashire headteachers.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan has announced new tests that will examine multiplication skills in every 11-year-old as part of the government's 'war on innumeracy and illiteracy'.

Pupils will expected to know all tables up to 12x12, with the skill measured using an 'on-screen check' examination to be piloted by 3,000 students in 80 schools this summer before being rolled out countrywide in 2017.

The idea was attacked by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), NASUWT as well as some of the region's headteachers.

Mrs Morgan also warned that teachers will also be judged by the results of the tests.

Richard Blackburn, headteacher at Whalley CE Primary School, said: "It's important that children have a basic understanding of times tables and we are doing all we can to give them that grounding.

"Having that knowledge makes a marked difference in their mathematical understanding.

"I'm concerned that maybe testing children on this will make school all about tests and it will be yet another thing for the Year Six teacher to deal with.

"I can see why they would want to bring it in but I'm not convinced that it will make much of an impact."

The NUT has said that Mrs Morgan's announcement was 'clearly not about educational attainment but about the introduction of yet another test'.

Simon Jones, who represents the union in the region, said that students are already the 'most tested in Europe' and that 'such endless testing stifles creativity'.

Mrs Morgan said: "Maths is a non-negotiable of a good education.

"Since 2010, we've seen record numbers of 11-year-olds start secondary school with a good grasp of the three Rs. But some continue to struggle."

The new tests will see children complete multiplication challenges against the clock, which will be scored instantly, with the DfE saying it is the first use of on-screen technology in National Curriculum tests.

John Gridley, NASUWT national executive member for Lancashire, said: "This announcement should have come as no surprise to anyone as it was set out in the Conservative Party Manifesto.

“As with many of the Government’s announcements, this is simply repackaging provisions already in place.

“Multiplication tables up to 12x12 are already included under the new National Curriculum for pupils in year 6 and so assessment of them was always going to be included in the statutory key stage tests.

“The only ‘new’ element of this announcement is the reference to the tests being online.

“Teachers have always recognised the importance of multiplication skills."