Pearson Q3 Revenue Rises 6% as AI Skills Assessment Demand Grows

Pearson reported underlying revenue growth of 6% in the third quarter and 5% for the first nine months of 2026, the company said in its trading update. Assessment and Qualifications revenue rose 10% in the quarter, partly due to new contracts and demand for AI skills verification.

Virtual Learning revenue increased 13% in the quarter as fall semester enrollment rose 8%. Enterprise Learning and Skills grew 6%, while Higher Education increased 2%. English Language Learning declined 5% amid lower Pearson Test of English revenue.

Pearson completed its acquisition of assessment technology provider ITS and has agreed to acquire Workera, an enterprise skills assessment platform it describes as AI-driven.

Pearson will reorganize into four business units from January 2027: US K12, US Higher Education, UK and International Education, and Enterprise. It expects underlying revenue to grow by a mid single digit percentage in 2026 and narrowed its adjusted operating profit forecast to £650 million to £675 million.