Highlights
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:
Advancing core business and enterprise power metrics, with an Enterprise strategic partnership with Salesforce and US Student Assessment contract win in Wyoming (link here).
Leading with the application of innovative technologies, including the roll out of Communication Coach - an AI-powered learning solution integrated into Microsoft 365.
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.
LONDON, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --
Omar Abbosh, Pearson's Chief Executive, said:
"We have had an encouraging start to the year, with a good performance in line with our expectations and continued progress against our strategy. We are executing with discipline, advancing our core business and enterprise offerings, while applying innovative technologies to enhance learner experiences. We remain confident in the momentum we are seeing for 2026 and in our ability to deliver attractive growth for our shareholders."
Underlying Group sales growth of 4% in Q1 2026
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.
On track to deliver ...
