10-year-old becomes Times Tables Rock Stars world record holder

Back to: Our impact
In this section: Latest News StoriesCase Studies Twitter

A maths app that uses music and artificial intelligence to help children learn their times tables has resulted in a brand-new world record.

Times Tables Rock Stars, which was introduced into classrooms across the UK after receiving funding from SHINE, has achieved remarkable results.

Youngsters who previously didn’t enjoy maths have become times table whizzes, able to complete many sums in a minute.

Keen to discover who was the fastest in the world, TT Rock Stars teamed up with Guinness World Records to create a new title, “Highest score achieved on Times Tables Rock Stars in one minute”.

700 official attempts were made with many children practising their times tables during lockdown. The competition was fierce with some excellent scores submitted by children from all around the world.

However, the title was claimed by 10-year-old Nadub Gill, who answered an astonishing 196 multiplication and division questions correctly in one minute. That is more than three correct answers per second!

Nadub, who attends Longmoor Primary School in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, said: “I am very thrilled and excited to achieve this title. It is like a dream!”.

Times Tables Rock Stars has been a valuable tool in helping children learn their times tables across school and we have seen, not only in Nadub's general maths skills, but in many other children, how this knowledge has impacted on overall confidence and progress in all areas within maths.  TT Rock Stars has helped engage children and has demonstrated how maths can be fun.

Sue Dainty Headteacher, Longmoor Primary School

He added: “I am thankful to my school and my teachers, who encouraged me to attempt this record. They encouraged me a lot and I think they have played a big role in my success.”

When asked if he had any advice to any budding times tables rock heroes out there Nadub modestly replied “the more you practice the better you will get”.

Bruno Reddy, CEO and founder of TT Rock Stars, said: “The numbers don’t make sense when you think about it – more than three correct answers every second – which makes it one of those rare achievements that defies belief.

“Nadub’s astonishing score has pushed the boundary of what anyone thought was possible on Times Tables Rock Stars and I suspect it will be a long time before anyone beats it. Nadub has our full admiration, not only for earning the title but also for his humble attitude when receiving it.“

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records, said: “It’s truly mind-boggling how these young people can blast through so many calculations in such a short time. It’s a real test of mental and physical dexterity and it’s a pleasure to welcome Nadub to the GWR family.”

Sue Dainty, headteacher at Longmoor Primary School said: “We first recognised Nadub’s gift with multiplication facts back in February when he amazed the school with his skill in Longmoor’s Got Talent.  Everyone in the room felt the goosebumps on the back of their necks – children, parents and teachers.  It created a buzz throughout school for learning times tables.

“For Nadub to move forward and to win a place in the Guinness World Records for his skill is fabulous and we couldn’t be more proud of him.

“Not just the children, but everyone in school is in awe of Nadub and he has truly inspired other children to work hard and motivated them to improve their own skill and to try to match his speed.

“Times Tables Rock Stars has been a valuable tool in helping children learn their times tables across school and we have seen, not only in Nadub’s general maths skills, but in many other children, how this knowledge has impacted on overall confidence and progress in all areas within maths.  TT Rock Stars has helped engage children and has demonstrated how maths can be fun.”

Share this page