Pearson quarterly sales edge up as Virtual Learning fuels growth

(Alliance News) - Pearson PLC on Friday said it remains on track to meet 2025 market expectations after reporting a pick-up in sales growth during the third quarter, driven by growth of its Virtual Learning segment.

The London-based educational materials publisher said underlying group sales rose 4% year-on-year in the third quarter, taking growth for the first nine months of 2025 to 2%. Pearson said it expects stronger sales growth in the fourth quarter due to "known business unit dynamics".

Chief Executive Omar Abbosh said: "Pearson delivered another quarter of good progress, with accelerated sales growth in [the third quarter] and robust performance across our businesses. With clear drivers for strong future growth, we are well positioned for the opportunities that lie ahead."

Assessment & Qualifications sales rose 4% in the third quarter, supported by the return to growth of Pearson VUE and strong international demand, the company said, while sales for the first nine months rose 2%.

Virtual Learning sales jumped 17% in the quarter, underpinned by a 13% increase in academic year enrolments for 2025-26.

Higher Education sales fell 1% in the quarter, as international weakness offset growth of 2% in the US, Pearson said.

English Language Learning rose 1%, with strength in the Pearson Test of English ahead of upcoming test enhancements.

Enterprise Learning & Skills sales increased 2% in the quarter and 3% over the first nine months, supported by new customer wins with Deloitte and Cognizant.

Pearson said it expects 2025 group sales growth and adjusted operating profit to be in line with market expectations. These are for underlying sales growth of 4% and adjusted operating profit of GBP656 million for 2025.

Pearson reported 3% underlying sales growth to GBP3.55 billion in 2024, suggesting GBP3.69 billion is expected for 2025. Adjusted operating profit was GBP600 million in 2024, so a 9.3% increase is expected for 2025.

Shares in Pearson were up 2.9% higher to 1,126.00 pence in London on Friday.

By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

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