Pearson Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Pearson (NYSE:PSO) and Google Cloud have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to develop AI-powered educational tools and services. The collaboration combines Pearson's K-12 learning expertise with Google Cloud's advanced AI technologies, including the Vertex AI Platform and Gemini models.

The partnership focuses on four key areas: personalized student learning through agentic AI-powered study tools, data-driven teacher support using BigQuery, scaling AI-powered content delivery using Google Cloud's Veo and Imagen tools, and ensuring responsible AI implementation. Additionally, Google Cloud will continue using Credly by Pearson for professional certification.

Pearson (PSO) has announced its agreement to acquire eDynamic Learning, a leading Career and Technical Education curriculum provider, to strengthen its position in the Early Careers space. eDynamic Learning serves over 885,000 K-12 students across 9,000+ educational institutions, offering 325 digital courses in 40+ career pathways. The company provides educational resources, virtual career simulations, workforce training, and virtual teaching services. The acquisition, expected to close in H2 2025, will be funded through existing cash resources. eDynamic Learning brings strong margins and cash flow conversion with a proven growth track record. This strategic move aims to address the growing demand for career-ready workers in the era of AI, with Pearson positioning itself to better serve educators, learners, and employers.

Pearson's research on AI usage in education reveals significant insights about student learning patterns. Analysis of 130,000 queries from 8,700 students using Pearson's AI tool in Campbell Biology showed that one-third of student inputs demonstrated higher-order thinking aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy's upper tiers. In response, Pearson launched 'Go Deeper', a feature that prompts students with progressively complex follow-up questions based on their initial queries. The company is expanding its AI initiatives across multiple education sectors, including K-12, nursing education, English language instruction, and higher education. With over 80% of products now digital or digitally enabled, Pearson's AI tools are designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences while being backed by learning science and expert validation.

Pearson (PSO) has announced a strategic partnership between its Connections Academy and SkillsUSA, the largest student-led workforce development organization in the U.S. Through this collaboration, over one million students will gain access to industry-recognized certifications via Credly by Pearson. The partnership integrates SkillsUSA's career readiness programs into Connections Academy schools, focusing on leadership development, technical skills training, and workplace readiness. The initiative builds upon Connections Academy's tri-credit approach, launched in spring 2023, which enables students to receive high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit. This partnership extends to other career and technical student organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America and HOSA Future Health Professionals.

Pearson plc (PSO) has disclosed that Vishaal Gupta, President of Enterprise Learning and Skills, has been granted stock options under the Company's Save for Shares Plan. The transaction involves 1,965 options with an exercise price of £9.14 per share over a three-year savings period. The grant was made on May 8, 2025, outside a trading venue. This stock option grant is part of Pearson's employee incentive program, aligning management interests with shareholder value.

Pearson (PSO) has granted performance-related restricted shares under its 2025 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) to key executives. Chief Executive Omar Abbosh received 394,155 shares (450% of salary) and CFO Sally Johnson received 159,411 shares (300% of salary), both calculated at £11.668 per share. The awards will vest on May 1, 2028, subject to performance conditions, with an additional two-year holding period until May 1, 2030. The shares were awarded based on the average mid-market closing price over five trading days up to April 30, 2025. The Remuneration Committee maintains discretion to adjust payouts based on performance and exceptional factors.

Pearson (PSO) has disclosed significant Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) share transactions for several key executives. CFO Sally Johnson received 136,077 ordinary shares and sold 63,957 shares at £11.7366 per share (£750,637.73) for tax purposes. Enterprise Learning President Vishaal Gupta received 138,651 shares and sold 50,318 shares at £11.7366 (£590,562.24). Higher Education President Tom ap Simon received 57,784 ADRs, English Language Learning President Sharon Hague received 23,768 shares and sold 11,173 shares (£131,133.03), and Assessment President Arthur Valentine received 63,300 ADRs. All transactions occurred on May 1, 2025, with ordinary share sales executed on the London Stock Exchange.

Pearson plc (PSO) held its Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2025, where shareholders voted on and approved all 20 proposed resolutions. With approximately 79.44% of the total voting rights represented, key approvals included the 2024 report and accounts (99.99% approval), declaration of final dividend (99.02%), re-election of board members, and approval of the annual remuneration report (92.43%). Notable resolutions also included authorization for the company to purchase its own shares (98.69% approval) and approval for holding general meetings on 14 clear days' notice (95.91%). The company's issued share capital consisted of 661,685,614 ordinary shares.