Pearson PLC has announced a 4% year-over-year increase in underlying sales for the first quarter, driven primarily by its Virtual Learning division. The global education group stated it remains on track to meet its full-year performance targets.

The London-listed company reported on Friday that group underlying sales rose by 4%. Sales in the Virtual Learning segment surged 21%, largely due to strong enrollment momentum for the 2025-2026 academic year, with enrollment growth accelerating to 15%.

Sales in the Assessment & Qualifications division declined by 1%, although the company anticipates a return to growth for this segment starting in the second quarter.

The Higher Education business reported a 2% increase in sales, supported by solid performance in its core US courseware operations. However, challenging conditions in more mature international markets partially offset growth in this segment.

Pearson reaffirmed its full-year guidance, projecting mid-single-digit percentage growth in underlying sales. The company maintained its adjusted operating profit forecast of £640 million to £685 million (equivalent to approximately $870.6 million to $931.8 million), which includes the impact of a product development asset impairment charge recorded in 2025. The free cash flow conversion rate is also expected to remain between 90% and 100%.