Our strategic model
Building a digital, platform-based business centred on the learner
A message from Sidney Taurel
Sidney Taurel, Pearson's Chair, discusses our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our future growth prospects
Our strategic advantages
Insights and capabilities
We partner with world-class authors, institutions, government and regulatory bodies, as well as employers to develop our content, assessment and service capabilities. We take a data-driven approach to product design, based on proven learning science and pedagogy. This enables huge advancements in rich content, personalised learning and effective analytics.
Read more about the trends shaping our market
Investing back into our business
Pearson’s strong balance sheet supports the continuing investment in our digital transformation and structural growth markets. We are investing record levels to become the winners in digital education.
Global reach and scale
We have a truly global scale and focus. We operate in 70 markets worldwide. Our products and services benefit from being centrally developed and globally deployed, with local expertise and capabilities ensuring success.
Our operating structure
We are refining the structure of our business to better reflect the shift towards more digital learner-centred products.
Key businesses in our structure
Global Online Learning
- Virtual Schools
- Online Program Management
Global Assessment
- Pearson VUE
- US Student Assessment
International
- English
- Assessment & Qualifications
North American Courseware
- US Higher Education Courseware
Interdependencies in our key businesses across our core capabilities
We have three core capabilities – content, assessment and services. Our key businesses share interdependencies across them, powered by the Pearson Learning Platform, all of which is supported by our Enabling Functions.
Pearson sees a world of talent
Talent is the world’s most valuable resource. We want to unleash it.
Our Sustainability Strategy has three main pillars:
- Advance equity in learning
- Build skills for sustainable future
- Lead by example
Our long-term strategy
We are shifting from a product-centred approach to a learner-centred model. This means our portfolio of products can now be integrated around the learner, meeting their needs throughout their learning life. This relentless focus on learner needs is driving a new approach to how we deliver learning. The new Pearson Learning Platform will be the platform on which the future of learning will be built. This will be an engaging, immersive learning experience that is highly personalised.
Delivering long-term value for all stakeholders
Customer experience and learning outcomes
Our customers, including learners, educators, employers, governments and more, benefit from a great consumer experience with consistent focus on learning outcomes.
Supporting sustainable growth
Delivering returns for our shareholders through a long-term improvement in top-line and bottom-line growth. Over time, this helps increase the share price and maintain a progressive, sustainable dividend.
Employee engagement
Through our transformation, we are focused on supporting our people, driving equality and diversity, and helping them make progress at Pearson and in their lives.
Strengthen sustainability
Through our sustainability work, we are helping increase access to quality education for more people around the world, equip people with the technical skills, knowledge, creativity and resilience needed to achieve the UN SDGs, and consider human rights and the environment across our value chain.
Read more about the value we create for our stakeholders
Capital allocation
- Maintain a strong balance sheet
- Maintain an investment grade credit rating
- Organic investment and acquisitions
- Return capital via a sustainable and progressive dividend
- Return any excess capital via special returns where appropriate
Learn more about Pearson
Market trends
In September 2019, we released the results of our inaugural Global Learner Survey, the first of its kind study that gauges the opinions of learners worldwide. Gaining a full picture on how people are learning helps to inform our strategy.
Our businesses
Our business structure reflects our shift towards more digital learner-centred products. Learn more about our four reporting segments with their constituent businesses.
Investor Relations and Financial Media Contacts
Contact the team if you are looking for further information.