The Pearson School & College Report 2026

Foundations for the future

Reflecting on a half-decade of data and the voices of 50,000+ teachers, students, and sector experts.

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We’re proud to launch the fifth annual Pearson School & College Report: Foundations for the future.

The Pearson School & College Report brings together thousands of voices from across education to build a clear, independent picture of what learning looks like in the UK today. Each year, teachers, students, school leaders, college tutors and home educators share their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future, helping to surface what really matters across classrooms, colleges and learning communities nationwide.

Now in its fifth year, the report has grown in both scale and insight. Drawing on more than 50,000 voices gathered since 2022, this edition highlights the shifting trends, challenges and opportunities shaping learning today.

2026

School and College Report

Available now.

Download the full report

Education never stands still

How do we shape what's next?
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"This report highlights an important human story - that of a sector that genuinely cares about its young people, despite the challenges that society and economy face. There are no easy answers here, but there is plenty of reason for optimism if we are prepared to listen and act"

Dr Carl Ward, Chair, The Foundation for Education Development (FED)

What's inside the report?

Real insights from the perspectives of educators, students & changemakers.

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Resilience

Despite sustained financial and structural pressures, educators are innovating, adapting and building foundations for the future of learning.

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Digital evolution

Teachers seeing positive AI impact are up 142% since 2024, but a readiness gap remains as students lack confidence in core digital skills.

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Future readiness

There is a unified call for education to equip students with knowledge, skills and confidence for the world beyond education.

Whether it’s happening in schools, colleges, homes or workplaces, learning drives us forward. What we learn today, we build on tomorrow. Lesson by lesson, year on year, learning is shaping futures.

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director, Pearson Qualifications

Frequently asked questions

Discover the series

Built on over five years of listening and learning from students, educators and sector voices. Each report adding to one big picture of education.

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