Free challenge · runs until 19 December

The Year 3 Mental Maths Challenge: addition & subtraction

A free challenge for Year 3 children: practise the 13 mental addition and subtraction strategies taught in class, with step-by-step help pictures. Earn 40 stars and a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate.

Sign up free — takes 1 minute

Sign-ups close 15 December

  • ✓ Free
  • ✓ No ads
  • ✓ No app to download
The Frooble challenge home screen: stars, medals and progress A help picture: a number line showing 286 − 43 as a jump of −40 then −3

How it works

1

Sign up

Just your email, your child's first name and their school. We email you their login — a link or QR code, and a picture PIN they can tap in on their own.

The Year 3 challenge map
2

Play a few minutes a day

Each level teaches one strategy. Step-by-step help pictures show how — then Speed Run and Challenge modes build speed and independence.

A help picture for 45 + 37: tens make 70, ones make 12, then 70 + 12
3

Watch them progress

Your parent dashboard shows their stars, medals and the levels they've completed. Finish with a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate.

The parent dashboard: 7 of 40 stars, Bronze, Silver and Gold progress

The 13 strategies

Which digit changes?Adding tens across 100Subtracting tens across 100 Partitioning +Partitioning −Balancing Give and take: balance itGive and take: calculateFinding number bonds I know… so…CompensationHundreds take away a 2-digit number Inverse and missing numbers+ the Skill Gate: a mixed final test

Want to help at home? The parent guide explains every level and its help pictures (PDF).

Questions

How much does it cost?

Nothing — the challenge is completely free, with no ads.

How long does it take?

A few minutes a day is plenty. Little and often works best, and children can play as much or as little as they like until 19 December.

What do we need?

A tablet or computer with a web browser — there's nothing to download. A whiteboard or some paper for jottings helps too.

Can I help my child at home?

Yes! Our parent guide explains every level and its help pictures, with a question to ask at each stage. You don't need to know the methods yourself.

What about my child's data?

We only ask for your child's first name — never their surname. We use the information only to run the challenge, and delete it by 31 March 2027. See the privacy notice.

My child's school isn't taking part — can they still join?

Yes! Any Year 3 child can join. Just tell us their school when you sign up.

I have two children — can they both play?

Yes — fill in the form once for each child, using the same email address. You'll see both on your dashboard.

Teachers: how can my school get involved?

Share this page with your Year 3 parents! Schools are ranked on a leaderboard by average stars per family (no children's names), and where parents agree, we'll share children's results with their school to celebrate.

Sign up — it's free

Signing up more than one child? Please fill in the form once for each child.

Sign up free — takes 1 minute