Directors' Dealings

Pearson PLC
17 November 1999

                       DEALINGS BY DIRECTORS


1)  NAME OF COMPANY

               Pearson plc

2)  NAME OF DIRECTOR

               David M C Bell

3)  Please state whether notification indicates that it is in respect of
    holding of the Director named in 2 above or holding of that person's
    spouse or children under the age of 18 or in respect of a non-beneficial
    interest

               In respect of the director's holding

4)  Name of the registered holder(s) and, if more than one holder, the
    number of shares held by each of them. (If notified)

               Not notified

5)  Please state whether notification relates to a person(s) connected
    with the Director named in 2 above and identify the connected person(s)

               Not applicable

6)  Please state the nature of the transaction. For PEP transactions
    please indicate whether general/single co PEP and if discretionary/non
    discretionary

               Exercise of options under the Company's 1988 Executive Share
               Option Scheme 20,300 at 545p

7)  Number of shares/amount of
    stock acquired

                20,300

8)   (0.0033% )
    of issued Class

9)  Number of shares/amount
    of stock disposed

                20,300

10)  (0.0033% )
   of issued Class

11) Class of security

               Ordinary shares of 25p each

12) Price per share

               Exercised at 545p 
               Sold at 1505.28p

13) Date of transaction
               
               17 November 1999

14) Date company informed

               17 November 1999

15) Total holding following this notification

               17,861

16) Total percentage holding of issued class following this notification

               0.0029%

     IF A DIRECTOR HAS BEEN GRANTED OPTIONS BY THE COMPANY PLEASE
                    COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BOXES

17) Date of grant



18) Period during which or date on which exercisable



19) Total amount paid (if any) for grant of the option



20) Description of shares or debentures involved: class, number.



21) Exercise price (if fixed at time of grant) or indication that price
    is to be fixed at time of exercise



22) Total number of shares or debentures over which options held
    following this notification



23) Any additional information



24) Name of contact and telephone number for queries

               J E Gomm or J M Cassom  0171 411 2000

25) Name and signature of authorised company official responsible for
    making this notification

    Date of Notification.....17 November 1999...........