Pearson Stock Price, News & Analysis

Pearson (LSE:PSO) issued its unaudited nine‑month trading update to 30 Sept 2025, reporting Underlying Group sales +4% in Q3 and +2% for the nine months, with management expecting stronger sales growth in Q4 and full‑year results in line with market expectations.

Key drivers include Virtual Learning +17% in Q3 (2025/26 enrollments +13%), Inclusive Access +19% YTD, expanded AI products and new enterprise partnerships (Cognizant, Deloitte, Salesforce). Guidance notes adjusted operating profit implied at c.£606m given FX assumptions and expected free cash flow conversion of 90–100%.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has secured an exclusive multi-year partnership with Salesforce to become the sole global provider of Salesforce certification exams through its Pearson VUE business. The collaboration, which began registration on July 21, 2025, features a streamlined certification pathway and a comprehensive catalog of 80 certification exams.

The partnership offers three flexible exam delivery formats: online proctoring through OnVUE, in-person testing at Pearson VUE Test Centers, and event-based testing. According to Pearson's 2025 report, over 70% of certified professionals report increased efficiency and innovation, while 63% received or anticipated promotions after certification.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has launched new AI Literacy Modules to address the growing demand for AI education in higher learning institutions. The modules will be integrated into over 170 MyLab and Mastering courses across STEM, business, health professions, and humanities disciplines.

The initiative includes three modules focusing on AI validation and citation, available in the U.S. and select global markets. Students completing the modules earn Credly by Pearson badges, with a capstone badge awarded for full completion. According to a Forbes survey, 98% of educators identified a need for ethical AI education.

This launch is part of Pearson's broader AI strategy, with over 80% of their products now digital or digitally enabled. The modules aim to promote responsible AI use while developing workforce-ready skills for students.

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) and Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) have announced a significant global strategic partnership focused on enhancing workforce readiness in the AI era. The collaboration aims to address the estimated $1.1 trillion annual cost to the U.S. economy from inefficient career pathways.

The multi-year agreement encompasses three key areas: early career development, learning redefinition through AI integration, and global workforce transformation. Cognizant will enhance Pearson's platforms with generative and agentic AI capabilities, while Pearson will provide content and assessment across Cognizant's initiatives, including Synapse and the Immersive Learning Center in Chennai.

The partnership leverages Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment alongside Cognizant's consulting and technology capabilities to develop AI-powered learning solutions. According to projections, AI could reshape up to 90% of existing jobs while potentially driving $1 trillion in annual growth for the U.S. economy by 2032.

Pearson (PSO) and Cognizant (CTSH) have announced a significant global strategic partnership focused on enhancing learning and workforce development in the AI era. The collaboration aims to address the estimated $1.1 trillion annual cost to the U.S. economy from inefficient career pathways.

The multi-year agreement encompasses three key areas: early career development, learning redefinition through AI integration, and global workforce transformation. Cognizant will enhance Pearson's platforms with generative and agentic AI capabilities, while Pearson will provide content and assessment tools for Cognizant's workforce development programs.

The partnership leverages Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment alongside Cognizant's technology capabilities to develop AI-powered learning solutions. The collaboration is projected to help address the transformation of up to 90% of existing jobs and contribute to an estimated $1 trillion in annual U.S. economic growth by 2032.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) has released four essential tips for parents to help their children navigate AI usage in education as students return to school. The guidance focuses on understanding school AI policies, purposeful AI usage, proper collaboration without copying, and parental AI literacy.

The company reports significant success with AI implementation in education, with their Connections Academy seeing an 11% increase in Biology passing rates and a 7% increase in World History among 6,500 high school students using AI study tools during 2024-2025. With over 80% of Pearson's products now digital or digitally enabled, the company continues to develop AI-powered tools focused on personalizing learning experiences and improving educational outcomes.

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" ]