9th June 2020: Pearson has today announced new plans to support universities across the UK as they prepare to start the 2020/21 academic year, teaching students on campus, online and through blended delivery.

Following the free provision of all digital content to Higher Education providers and students to enable learning to continue online for the academic year 2019/20, Pearson is launching new initiatives to support the 20/21 academic year, which include:

1. Free access to transition and wellbeing online units to help prepare students for university life and online learning, building confidence and key skills.
2. Free content to support staff seeking to move their teaching to digital delivery.
3. A more flexible and affordable pricing model for digital products to enable universities to widen access to resources and implement personalised teaching and provision at scale.

This is part of a wider provision of scalable solutions that Pearson is offering, all designed to help universities deliver high quality online learning. These solutions include personalised interactive course resources, course design and consultancy, transition support, online academic support and assessment services.

Ellen Wilson, Vice President, Higher Education Services, Pearson, said:

“Universities are facing unprecedented challenges due to Covid 19. The sector responded remarkably throughout the disruption of the past few months to ensure the continuation of learning and support for students. Universities now need to focus on creating high quality flexible learning experiences at scale from September, that offer value for money to students, while taking into account multiple scenarios around delivery for the next academic year.

At Pearson, we know that there is a major strain on university finances, and we want to stand side by side with our partners and customers. We have taken a critical look at how we can provide affordable 1:1 access to our digital teaching and learning solutions for all students. We are committed to working with all higher education providers to offer flexible commercial models that support a long term shift to digital.”

Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, welcomed the new approach:

“Academics and support staff are fully committed to delivering the best possible student experience in the next academic year, despite the pandemic. But making sure that happens will sometimes mean having to do things in new ways, particularly via the greater use of technology. So I give this new initiative, which will help students, staff and institutions, an unqualified welcome.”

Contact: anna.jackson@pearson.com

07919 552258