Pearson Stock Price, News & Analysis

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has released compelling data demonstrating the success of its AI study tools in improving student performance at Connections Academy virtual learning schools. During the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 6,500 high school students using the AI tools showed significant improvements, with Biology students achieving an 11% increase in passing rates and a 5% boost in final scores, while World History students saw a 7% rise in passing rates.

The AI study tool functions as an interactive learning assistant that provides step-by-step guidance on incorrect practice test answers, encouraging deeper understanding rather than simply providing answers. Based on this success, Pearson plans to expand the AI tool's availability to middle and high school Algebra courses in the 2025-2026 school year.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) announced the global expansion of its AI-powered learning platform Study Prep (formerly known as "Channels" in the US) to multiple countries including Canada, Brazil, UK, India, China, and South Africa. The platform offers personalized study support across more than 25 academic subjects, featuring thousands of video explanations, practice problems, and AI-powered study tools.

The platform includes innovative features such as syllabus-matching technology, AI Tutor for step-by-step guidance, and an embedded AI chatbot for real-time concept clarification. Currently supporting sciences, math, and psychology, Study Prep aligns with specific course materials and has demonstrated improved learning outcomes. With over 80% of Pearson's products now digital or digitally enabled, this expansion marks a significant step in the company's AI-driven educational technology strategy.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) reported its H1 2025 interim results with underlying group sales growth of 2% to £1,722m and adjusted operating profit up 2% to £242m. The company demonstrated strong free cash flow performance of £156m, up £129m year-over-year.

Key operational highlights include strategic AI partnerships with Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud, the acquisition of eDynamic Learning for $225m, and a 5% increase in interim dividend to 7.8p. The company's £350m share buyback program is 48% complete.

Performance varied across divisions with Higher Education up 4%, Enterprise Learning & Skills up 4%, Assessment & Qualifications up 2%, while Virtual Learning declined 1% and English Language Learning decreased 3%. Pearson maintains its 2025 guidance and expects stronger growth in H2, particularly in Q4.

[ "Free cash flow increased significantly by £129m to £156m", "Strategic AI partnerships secured with Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud", "Higher Education segment showed 4% growth with 21% increase in Inclusive Access", "Interim dividend increased by 5% to 7.8p", "Virtual Learning showed 5% enrollment growth in Spring semester", "Strong balance sheet with net debt decreased by £0.2bn to £1.0bn", "Strategic acquisition of eDynamic Learning completed for $225m" ]

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has announced the winners of the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) World Championship through its Certiport business. The competition, in its 23rd year, featured over 190 finalists aged 13-22 from around the world competing in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint categories.

Winners received substantial cash prizes, with first-place winners earning $8,000, second-place $4,000, and third-place $2,000. The competition included both Microsoft 365 Apps and Office 2019 categories, with winners representing countries including Vietnam, Greece, China, USA, and Lebanon. This year's challenge involved creating documents for Limbitless Solutions, a non-profit organization producing 3D printed bionic arms.

The 2026 championship will be held at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, California, from July 26-29, 2026.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has announced the winners of the 2025 Adobe Certified Professional World Championship through its Certiport business unit. Thiago Mello from Brazil claimed the top prize among 47 global finalists at the competition held in Orlando from July 27-30, 2025.

Contestants demonstrated their digital design skills using Adobe Creative Cloud software, creating promotional materials for the Networking for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) organization within an 8-hour timeframe. The first-place winner received $8,000, while second and third-place winners earned $4,000 and $2,000 respectively.

The competition, now in its 12th year, will host its 2026 edition at Disney Grand California, Anaheim, from July 26-29, 2026.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) and HCLTech have announced a multi-year strategic partnership focused on developing AI-powered learning solutions. The collaboration combines Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment with HCLTech's capabilities in digital transformation and AI.

The partnership will operate across three key pillars: go-to-market acceleration for developing learning products, an AI innovation lab for co-developing next-generation learning solutions, and strategic talent design for delivering workforce insights. Pearson will integrate HCLTech's GenAI platform and Career Shaper™ platform, while HCLTech will implement Pearson's AI-powered learning tools and Faethm AI platform across its HR ecosystem.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has announced significant updates to its English language testing portfolio. The company is enhancing its Pearson Test of English (PTE) with two new speaking tasks and improved scoring models starting August 2025. PTE's global test center network has expanded to 517 locations, with 30 new centers opened in 2025.

Additionally, Pearson is launching the Pearson English Express Test, a new one-hour online assessment that can be taken remotely. This test will be available in Q4 2025 across eight countries initially, with more markets planned for 2026. The Express Test features rapid results delivery and enhanced security measures, including dual-camera monitoring and identity verification.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) announced a significant expansion of its AI learning content portfolio, building on the success of its Generative AI Foundations Certification which has achieved double-digit monthly growth since October 2024. The expanded offerings target K-12, higher education, professional, and enterprise learners.

The company has nearly doubled its AI-related live training hours from 580 to 996 content hours in the past year. The initiative comes as skills gaps threaten economic losses of $1.1 trillion in the US and £100 billion in the UK. The expanded portfolio includes new certifications and courses covering agentic AI, large language models, machine learning, and ethical AI implementation.

Pearson has established strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google to enhance its AI education offerings. The company's AI content is now available in nine languages, and its digital products, which comprise over 80% of their portfolio, are backed by learning science and subject matter experts.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) released its 2025 School Report revealing concerning statistics about student readiness in England. The study found that approximately 1.9 million students may not be adequately prepared for their next educational stage, including 1.65 million primary/secondary students and 250,000 college students.

The report, based on feedback from 11,000 teachers and 3,000 students, shows that roughly one-third of primary (32%) and secondary (31%) students, and 43% of college students are not ready for advancement. Key challenges include Special Educational Needs, writing difficulties, and independence at primary level, while self-motivation and social maturity are concerns at secondary level.

The report highlights needs for curriculum reform, including better preparation for AI-driven futures, practical life skills, and flexible assessment methods. Only 9% of teachers feel confident teaching AI-related content, and just 8% believe the education system adequately prepares students for future careers.