Student-centred qualifications for every future
Qualification reform is changing the education landscape. We're here to help you understand what it means and prepare with confidence.
From transition planning to subject expertise, we’re committed to helping educators make sense of what’s changing - and what it means for their learners.
What you need to know
For all those involved in education, reform brings new challenges, new decisions and increasing pressures. Pearson is committed to working alongside you to design student-centred qualifications, offer expert guidance and provide practical support to help navigate change with confidence.
Learn more about the principles behind our student-centred qualifications, and how we're readying for reform across subjects, pathways and levels, below.
1.
General qualifications
Explore how GCSEs and general qualifications are evolving, including subject developments, design principles and future direction.
2.
Vocational and technical
Reform shaping BTEC and technical qualifications, including course structure, assessment and progression pathways.
3.
Apprenticeships
Insights on the changes, how these may impact you and your apprentices, and our support for navigating this transition.
Relevant
Qualifications that connect learning to real-world opportunities.
We work closely with educators, employers, industry and universities to ensure qualifications develop the knowledge and skills learners need for their next step — whether that's higher education, further training or employment.
Empowering
Qualifications that help learners grow in confidence and achieve their ambitions.
We design qualifications to support different strengths, interests and aspirations, helping learners engage with learning, build confidence and achieve their potential.
Fair
Qualifications that give every learner the opportunity to show what they can achieve.
Our assessment approaches are designed to be clear, accessible and inclusive, supporting valid outcomes while recognising the diverse needs of today's learners.
Pearson combines trusted assessment expertise, real-world employer and university insight, and learner-centred design to support progression from education into employment and throughout life.
More than 30 pieces of research.
Over 60 focus groups, events and panel discussions.
Daily discussions with schools and colleges across the country.
Together, these insights shape every recommendation we make.
Pearson School and College Report data
Our research with teachers, students, colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers highlights the changing demands on education and training, and the opportunities reform presents for learners' futures.
Our 2026 Pearson School & College report shows that:
Teachers say today’s education system does not set pupils up with the skills needed to thrive.
School students would like to learn more subjects or topics to prepare them for their future.
Qualification reform is among the top three challenges colleges expect to manage over the next 12 months.
Pearson School & College Report 2026
“AI knowledge to work alongside smart tools responsibly in future job settings“
- College Student
“Coding lessons as technology will be important for future jobs.“
- School Student
“Life skills to help me live independently when I am older include finances, budgets...“
- School Student
“How to manoeuvre finding a job after college, especially when the job market is so saturated.“
- College Student
Pearson School & College Report 2026
Reform in the news
Take the next step
Helping every learner move forward with a future they can believe in.
Get the latest updates, insights and support across curriculum, qualifications and policy changes.
| Sign up for the latest updates |