Pearson Q1 2026 Trading Update

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·	Underlying Group sales up 4% in Q1.
·	All business units performing in line with expectations; continued strong performance in Virtual Learning with underlying sales up 21%, and Assessment & Qualifications expected to return to growth from Q2.
·	On track to deliver 2026 full year guidance.
·	Continued progress against our 2026 priorities, including:
	o	Advancing core business and enterprise power metrics, with an Enterprise strategic partnership with Salesforce and US Student Assessment contract win in Wyoming (link here).
	o	Leading with the application of innovative technologies, including the roll out of Communication Coach - an AI-powered learning solution integrated into Microsoft 365.
	o	Expansion of AI learning offerings through the launch of a Foundations of AI course for teachers (link here) and the first professional certification for Adobe Firefly (link here), helping to upskill learners and workers in the AI era.
·	£350m share buyback programme progressing well.

·	Assessment & Qualifications sales were down 1%, as expected. Growth in Pearson Professional Assessments was driven by continued momentum from new contracts launched last year, partially offset by headwinds in PDRI. Clinical Assessment grew due to the continued traction of our products, particularly in International markets, pricing, and digital product growth. US Student Assessment won a new statewide assessment contract in Wyoming in the period, but sales declined impacted by the previously disclosed loss of the New Jersey contract. UK & International Qualifications declined slightly due to delivery phasing, reversing in Q2.
·	Virtual Learning sales grew 21%, reflecting strong enrolment momentum within 2025/2026 academic year with enrolment growth increasing to 15%, alongside funding upside that phased earlier than last year, and favourable mix. Enrolment performance continues to be supported by ongoing investment in marketing and strong execution.
·	Higher Education sales were up 2%, driven by continued solid performance in our core US Courseware business, partially offset by challenging trading conditions in mature International markets. In the quarter, there was growth of 19% in Inclusive Access and 2% in US digital subscriptions.
·	English Language Learning sales increased 2%, driven by Institutional. Pearson Test of English (PTE) declined slightly due to a continued tough market backdrop.
·	Enterprise Learning & Skills sales were up 8%. Vocational Qualifications grew well, in part benefitting from revenue phasing. Enterprise Solutions grew strongly, driven by the monetisation of strategic partnerships, including Salesforce.

·	For 2026, we expect to deliver mid-single digit underlying sales growth, adjusted operating profit of £640m-£685m at FX rates as at the end of 2025 (£:$ 1.35), including the impact of the 2025 product development impairment¹, and free cash flow conversion² of 90%-100%.
·	Over the medium term, Pearson continues to be positioned to deliver a mid-single digit underlying sales growth CAGR, sustained margin improvement that will equate to an average increase of 40 basis points per annum and strong free cash conversion, in the region of 90% to 100%, on average, across the period.

·	Pearson's financial position remains strong, with low leverage and strong liquidity.
·	Our £350m share buyback programme is progressing well. As at 31^st March 2026, £219m of shares had been repurchased at an average price of 964p per share.
·	In April 2026, we successfully issued a £350m 10-year bond under our Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) programme.

Sales	Q1 2026 Underlying growth
Assessment & Qualifications	(1)%
Virtual Learning	21%
Higher Education	2%
English Language Learning	2%
Enterprise Learning & Skills	8%
Total	4%

Summary by AI ^BETAClose X

Pearson Q1 2026 Trading Update (Unaudited)

Highlights

Omar Abbosh, Pearson's Chief Executive, said:

Underlying Group sales growth of 4% in Q1 2026

On track to deliver 2026 guidance and medium term outlook unchanged

Financial summary

Contacts

About Pearson

Notes

Companies

UK 100

Latest directors dealings

Underlying Sales growth	Group	Mid-single digit growth.
	Assessment & Qualifications	Low to mid-single digit growth, driven by new contracts, products and pricing. Returning to growth from Q2, supported by new business and recently awarded contracts.
	Virtual Learning	Stronger growth than 2025, particularly in H1, driven by a full year of enrolment growth.
	Higher Education	Will grow more than 2025, supported by continued product and platform innovation, pricing and Inclusive Access in our core US courseware business, with improvement in the K12 channel.
	English Language Learning	Higher growth than 2025 driven by market share gains and pricing, with PTE returning to growth. Growth will again be Q4 weighted given the seasonality of the business.
	Enterprise Learning & Skills	Growth to be driven by a solid performance in Vocational Qualifications and strategic account growth in Enterprise Solutions.
Group Profit	Adjusted Operating Profit	£640m-£685m at FX rates as at the end of 2025 (£:$ 1.35), which includes lower amortisation in 2026 following the 2025 product development impairment.
	Interest	Adjusted net finance costs of c.£80m - includes associated costs of funding the £350m share buyback.
	Tax rate	We expect the effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax to be c.25%.
Cash flow		We expect a free cash flow conversion of 90-100%.
FX		Every 1c movement in £:$ rate equates to approximately £5m adjusted operating profit impact.