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Pearson Q1 2025 Trading Update (Unaudited)

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Pearson on track to deliver 2025 guidance1 with expected Q1 result and momentum building for the second half

LONDON, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Highlights

Underlying Group sales up 1%, with growth expected to accelerate in the second half of the yearAll business units performing in line with expectations; strong start for Higher Education with underlying sales up 6%Good progress against our 2025 strategic priorities, including:Expanding professional learning capabilities with our new Pearson Skilling Suite (link here)Continuing to lead on the application of innovative technologies, with the launch of an AI-powered Smart Lesson Generator (link here)New contract wins in Enterprise Learning & Skills; including with UK Ministry of Defence (link here)Launch of redefined Pearson brand to embrace the future of learning (link here)£350m share buyback programme launched and progressing; £0.1bn State Aid recovery received in full

Omar Abbosh, Pearson’s Chief Executive, said:

“We continue to make good progress against our strategy, supporting our medium term growth outlook. We are confident of delivering on our expectations for the year given our clear path to achieving stronger growth in the second half, whilst we recognise the heightened uncertainties around the global economy.

Financial and operating performance in our smallest quarter was in line with our plans and we continue to build AI enhanced offerings across the business and make progress on our Enterprise initiatives.”

Underlying Group sales growth of 1% in Q1 2025

Assessment & Qualifications sales were up 1%. Pearson VUE declined slightly, with growth expected to be weighted to H2 driven by the timing of new contracts and the test prep business building during the year, supported by the recent launch of the Pearson Skilling Suite programme. Clinical Assessment grew due to the continued traction of our products in the market, with further new product releases planned this year, and digital product growth. US Student Assessment saw a small decline due to changes in programme services and timing of delivery. UK & International Qualifications sales benefitted from International growth.Virtual Learning sales decreased 4%, in line with guidance, reflecting the impact of previous partner school losses and timing of funding upsides in the prior period. 2024/25 academic year enrolments increased by 5% in the Spring semester on a same school basis, with positive retention trends.Higher Education sales were up 6% benefitting from the continued innovation and roll out of AI study tools for students and educators and the ongoing successful monetisation of the Channels product. In the quarter, there was growth of 22% in Inclusive Access and 4% in US digital subscriptions. In our International business, 25 AI translated titles were made available for Spring semester courses, expanding the reach of Pearson learning experiences faster and more efficiently.English Language Learning sales decreased 6%, in line with guidance. Institutional declined due to a strong comparator period in Q1 2024, and we expect performance to improve in Q2 and beyond. Pearson Test of English (PTE) performed well against a tough market backdrop and despite a decline in volumes we grew the business. We continue to lead on the application of innovative technologies with the recent launch of AI-powered Smart Lesson Generator and Digital Language Tutor.Enterprise Learning & Skills sales were up 1%. Vocational Qualifications delivered a solid performance with new contract wins supporting pipeline growth, including apprenticeship courses with the UK Ministry of Defence and T Levels in Health and Science. Enterprise Solutions announced strategic partnerships with Microsoft and AWS in the quarter as we build momentum in our Enterprise approach and related sales capability.

On track to achieve 2025 guidance and medium term outlook unchanged

We expect sales growth and adjusted operating profit in line with market expectations1 for 2025. We expect low single-digit sales growth in H1 with stronger growth in H2. We outline our previously issued 2025 guidance later in this release.Beyond 2025, Pearson is 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 conversion2, in the region of 90% to 100%, on average, across the period.

Strong financial position

Pearson’s financial position remains strong, with low leverage and strong liquidity.The £0.1bn previously paid in relation to State Aid was recovered in full during Q1 2025.In March 2025 we commenced our £350m share buyback programme, with £65m purchased up to 30th April 2025.

Executive Change

Dave Treat, Pearson’s Chief Technology Officer, has assumed leadership of the company’s digital and technology operation alongside his current architectural and innovation responsibilities, effective 7th April 2025. Dave joined Pearson last July and will play a crucial role in scaling Pearson’s AI offerings, bolstering our innovation pipeline, and driving collaboration across different business units.Marykay Wells, who led the Digital and Technology team as Chief Information Officer, decided to leave Pearson, effective 4th April 2025. We want to thank Marykay for her work on our technology foundations and capabilities.

Financial summary

Sales

Q1 2025

Underlying growth

Assessment & Qualifications

1 %

Virtual Learning

(4) %

Higher Education

6 %

English Language Learning

(6) %

Enterprise Learning & Skills

1 %

Total

1 %

Throughout this announcement growth rates are stated on an underlying basis unless otherwise stated. Underlying growth rates exclude
currency movements, and portfolio changes.

2025 guidance summary 

Underlying
Sales
growth          

 

Group

In line with market expectations1. We expect low single-digit sales growth
in H1 with stronger growth in H2.

Assessment &
Qualifications

Sales to grow low to mid-single digit. Growth will be H2 weighted with new
and renewed contracts and the test prep business building during the year.

Virtual Learning

Sales to decline in H1 given the final impact of previous school losses and
the timing of funding in the previous year. Return to growth in H2 and the
full year driven by enrolment increases, partially from new school
openings, for the 25/26 academic year.

Higher
Education

Sales growth in 2025 will be higher than in 2024 as we build on the
successful results of our sales team transformation and product
innovations, particularly using AI. Growth will be relatively stable
throughout the year.

English
Language
Learning

Sales growth will moderate given the likely impacts of elections on
immigration rates in 2025 affecting our PTE business, which is expected to
decline in the year. Q1 declined in line with expectations and we expect
growth to increase each quarter thereafter. We remain confident in the
medium term outlook given demographic projections.

Enterprise
Learning &
Skills

Sales to grow high single digit with Vocational Qualifications seeing solid
growth and the addition of several new contracts for Enterprise Solutions.
Growth will increase quarter on quarter.

Group
Profit

Adjusted
Operating
Profit

In line with market expectations1. 

Interest

Adjusted net finance costs of c.£65m reflecting the impact of the
Education Bond and £350m share buyback programme which
commenced in March.

Tax rate

We expect the effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax to be
between 24% and 25%.

Cash flow

We expect a free cash flow conversion2 of 90-100% plus the £0.1bn State
Aid repayment which was received in full during Q1 2025.

FX

Every 1c movement in GBP:USD rate equates to approximately £5m
adjusted operating profit impact.

12025 consensus on the Pearson website dated 27th January 2025; underlying sales growth 4.4%, adjusted operating
profit of £656m at £:$ 1.23.  The average £:$ rate for Q1 2025 was 1.27, which if held for the full year would imply an updated
adjusted operating profit consensus of c.£636m, applying the FX guidance stated above.

2Free cash flow conversion calculated as free cash flow divided by adjusted earnings.

Contacts

Investor Relations

Alex Shore

Steph Crinnegan

 +44 (0) 7720 947 853

 +44 (0) 7780 555 351

Gemma Terry

Brennan Matthews

 +44 (0) 7841 363 216

 +1 (332) 238-8785

Media

Teneo

Pearson

 

Ed Cropley

Laura Ewart

 

 +44 (0) 7492 949 346

 +44 (0) 7798 846 805

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

Notes

Forward looking statements: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this statement include forward-looking statements. In particular, all statements that express forecasts, expectations and projections with respect to future matters, including trends in results of operations, margins, growth rates, overall market trends, the impact of interest or exchange rates, the availability of financing, anticipated cost savings and synergies and the execution of Pearson’s strategy, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in future. They are based on numerous assumptions regarding Pearson’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which it will operate in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including a number of factors outside Pearson’s control. These include international, national and local conditions, as well as competition. They also include other risks detailed from time to time in Pearson’s publicly-filed documents and you are advised to read, in particular, the risk factors set out in Pearson’s latest annual report and accounts, which can be found on its website (www.pearsonplc.com). Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Pearson gives no undertaking to update forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes to events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

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Cognizant and Google Cloud Expand Alliance to Accelerate Agentic Enterprise Transformation

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Initiative establishes new Gemini Frontier Capability Group, dedicating more than 18,000 engineers to help drive AI adoption for global enterprises.More than 55,000 associates completed Build with Gemini, the largest Gemini partner workshop held to date, part of a shared commitment to scale client execution through Cognizant’s Frontier Certified Engineers.

TEANECK, N.J. and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) and Google Cloud today announced a significant expansion of their partnership to accelerate the adoption of agentic AI, including a new Gemini Frontier Capability Group. The group brings together a dedicated global workforce that pairs Google’s full-stack, enterprise-ready AI platform with Cognizant’s domain, industry and engineering expertise as an AI Builder.

Backed by more than 18,000 dedicated Cognizant associates, the new group represents a substantial joint investment and builds on the momentum created by Cognizant’s dedicated Gemini practice launched in April 2026. The new group is designed to bridge the path from pilot to production, equipping enterprises with the ability to safely deploy resilient, enterprise-grade agents that can help drive measurable business value.

“Establishing our dedicated Gemini Frontier Capability Group lets our best frontier engineering talent focus entirely on getting frontier AI into production for clients,” said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. “Our Build with Gemini workshop gave over 55,000 associates that experience directly, earning them tangible skills on one of the world’s most advanced AI platforms, and this new group is where that experience goes to work every day.”

“Deploying AI agents at scale requires trusted partners with deep architectural and integration expertise,” said Thomas Kurian, chief executive officer, Google Cloud. “Cognizant’s dedicated Frontier Capability Group and their skilling initiative for tens of thousands of engineers on Gemini will help our joint customers accelerate the adoption of autonomous agents throughout the enterprise.”

Introducing the Gemini Frontier Capability Group

Designed to meet surging enterprise demand for scaled AI execution, the group aims to deliver production-grade, AI solutions designed to drive business outcomes for global enterprises by leveraging Gemini, Google Cloud’s AI platform for building, governing, and deploying agents. The group will initially concentrate its engineering capabilities across legacy modernization, developer experience, autonomous business process agentification and frontier cyber defense.

To operationalize these capabilities, the group plans to deploy standardized, security-first agentic architecture built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and fortified by Google Cloud’s Model Armor. These trusted frameworks are expected to power a new suite of collaborative, production-ready enterprise solutions, including Cognizant’s Catalog Support Agent (CSA) for retail, the Neuro® San-orchestrated Healthcare Agentic Marketplace, and multi-agent Order-to-Cash (O2C) workflows for manufacturing.

Scaling outcomes with Frontier Certified Engineers

Underpinning the group is a shared commitment by Google Cloud and Cognizant to scale client execution through Frontier Certified Engineers. One early proof point shows what this looks like in practice: by integrating Gemini AI models across its software development lifecycle, Cognizant helped a leading retailer achieve a 40% increase in developer productivity, reduce time-to-market by 30%, and realize a 35% cost savings, underscoring the transformative potential of AI-driven software engineering.

As part of Cognizant’s frontier certification skills drive, the company recently concluded the Build with Gemini workshop with Google Cloud, where Cognizant associates built AI agents and applications while earning Gemini skills credentials. Completed by more than 55,000 Cognizant associates, it is the largest single Gemini partner workshop held to date, representing a meaningful step in building Cognizant’s frontier-certified workforce.

Cognizant is also applying Gemini internally at scale. As announced in July, the company is deploying Gemini to 100,000 associates this year, with plans to scale up to 200,000, and continues to increase its certification commitment for professionals on the platform.

About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant. 

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack — including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications — that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

Cognizant media contacts:

U.S.

Name Ben Gorelick

Email benjamin.gorelick@cognizant.com 

Europe / APAC

Name Sarah Douglas

Email sarah.douglas@cognizant.com 

India

Name Vipin Nair

Email Vipin.nair@cognizant.com 

Google Cloud media contact:

   Josh Gunter

   jmgunter@google.com

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SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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Eczema Awareness Month 2026: What Is the State of Eczema Today?

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NEA pairs findings from its State of AD report with video stories from the community to highlight the data and daily realities of living with eczema

For Eczema Awareness Month 2026, NEA asks what living with eczema looks like today, drawing on the State of AD to bring national data and personal stories together.

The State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report and 51 state-level briefs, published Oct. 1, are available at StateofAD.org.

Video stories from people with eczema and their caregivers share what daily life with the condition is like. Join the conversation with #UnhideEczema.

NOVATO, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eczema Awareness Month 2026 is underway, and this year’s theme is the State of Eczema. Since Oct. 1, the National Eczema Association (NEA) has been inviting the community to see, share and talk about what living with eczema is like. Throughout October, NEA is asking a question for the more than 31 million Americans living with eczema, and those who care for them: what is it like to live with eczema, and what does it take to get good care?

The theme builds on the State of AD, NEA’s four-year initiative on atopic dermatitis (AD), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It brings together two kinds of evidence, national data and the experiences of people with eczema, to offer a more complete view of the condition.

The State of AD: data that backs up the experience

On Oct. 1, NEA published its State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report, along with 51 state-level briefs covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C. AD is the most common form of eczema. The report is the first comprehensive national and state-level baseline on AD diagnosis and care, and it points to gaps across the country. The complete report and all state briefs are available at StateofAD.org.

“Eczema Awareness Month is about making sure people feel seen. The State of AD gives us the evidence to show that eczema deserves attention in every state, and the stories our community is sharing show why it matters. Together, they tell the whole story,” said Kristin Belleson, president and CEO of NEA.

Video stories: eczema in their own words

Alongside the data, NEA is sharing video testimonials from people living with eczema and the caregivers who support them. The data shows the scale of the need, and the stories show the people behind it. Watch the stories at EczemaMonth.org.

Ways to take part this October

NEA invites people with eczema, caregivers, health care professionals and partners to join the conversation:

Watch and share the video stories from the eczema community.

Explore the State of AD report and your state’s brief at StateofAD.org.

Use #UnhideEczema on social media to share your own experience.

Visit EczemaMonth.org for resources, events and more ways to get involved.

NEA thanks all the sponsors and partners who make Eczema Awareness Month possible, including our Platinum Sponsors: AbbVie, all® free clear, LEO Pharma, and Sanofi and Regeneron.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Eczema Awareness Month?
A: Eczema Awareness Month takes place every October. In 2026, it is centered on the State of Eczema, bringing together national data and personal stories from the eczema community.

Q: What is the State of AD?
A: The State of AD is a four-year initiative funded by the CDC. Its foundation is the State of Atopic Dermatitis Indicator Report and 51 state-level briefs, published Oct. 1, which set a national and state reference baseline on AD care and diagnosed prevalence.

Q: Where can I find the State of AD report?
A: The full report and all state briefs are available at StateofAD.org.

Q: How can I take part in Eczema Awareness Month?
A: Watch and share the stories, explore the report and use #UnhideEczema on social media.

The State of AD project was supported by the Grant or Cooperative Agreement Number 1 NU58DP007726-01-00, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About the National Eczema Association

Founded in 1988, the National Eczema Association (NEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest patient advocacy organization serving the more than 31 million Americans living with eczema and those who care for them. NEA provides programs and resources to elevate the diverse lived experience of eczema, helping patients and caregivers understand their condition, actively engage in their care, find strength in one another and improve their lives. NEA also advances critical eczema research and partners with key stakeholders to ensure the patient voice is represented and valued in education, care and treatment decision-making. Learn more: NationalEczema.org

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SOURCE National Eczema Association

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Brennan Coffey Explains Why a Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

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The Article Explains Common Reasons a Circuit Breaker Trips and When the Pattern Signals a Bigger Problem.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why does a circuit breaker keep tripping? A HelloNation article answers that question and breaks down the most common reasons behind the problem.

The article explains that every circuit is built to carry a set amount of power safely. A circuit breaker cuts power once that limit is crossed, protecting the wiring from overheating before real damage occurs.

Each breaker in the panel protects one specific circuit, the article notes. An overloaded circuit will usually trip only its own breaker, not the entire panel. Homeowners often notice the pattern happens at predictable moments, like running a microwave and a toaster together.

According to the article, an overloaded circuit is one of the most common reasons a breaker trips. This often happens when several appliances draw power from the same outlets at once.

The article notes that kitchens are frequent trouble spots, since they run several high draw appliances from a limited number of outlets. Spreading large appliances across different circuits often solves the problem on its own.

A short circuit or a ground fault can also cause a circuit breaker to trip, the article explains, and both tend to act faster than a simple overload. A short circuit happens when a hot wire unexpectedly touches another wire.

A ground fault usually involves contact with a grounded surface, often because of moisture nearby. The article points out that GFCI outlets add protection in bathrooms and kitchens, though a standard breaker can still trip when a fault occurs elsewhere on the same circuit.

Newer homes may also have arc fault breakers, which sense the electrical pattern of an arc rather than a simple overload. These devices catch a hazard tied closely to house fires.

The article adds that an aging breaker can be the source of trouble in its own right, especially in a panel older than twenty years. Electrical Expert Brennan Coffey leads Coffey Electric & Generator, serving homeowners throughout the Schenectady area.

Homeowners should never open a panel cover or inspect breakers beyond resetting a switch, the article warns, since the panel carries live current even when a breaker has tripped. Forcing a stubborn breaker back on can let dangerous heat build inside the wall.

A breaker box that feels warm or shows scorch marks needs more urgency than routine tripping. That kind of heat points to trouble well beyond a simple overload, the article cautions.

The article suggests tracking when and where trips happen to spot a pattern before calling for help. Noting which appliances were running, and how often the issue repeats, gives a professional a useful starting point.

Waiting too long to address repeated trips can let a small issue grow into a larger and costlier one, the article explains. Addressing the pattern early tends to save both time and money down the road.

Electrical Expert Brennan Coffey is featured in the article, which advises against repeatedly resetting a breaker that keeps tripping without a clear cause. A licensed electrician can identify the underlying issue and determine what the repair actually requires.

Why Does a Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping? features insights from Brennan Coffey, Electrical Expert of Schenectady, New York, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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