British education giant Pearson says that the artificial intelligence tools it has built into its learning products are improving student outcomes, especially in terms of grades and learning quality, compared with generic AI models like public chatbots. According to Pearson’s chief executive Omar Abbosh, the company’s AI systems — which are closely tied to textbooks, assessments and virtual school programs — are designed with teachers and curricula in mind, and have been shown to support learning and reasoning rather than undermine it. By contrast, he asserted, “AI in the wild” can erode cognitive skills if used without educational context and structure.
Pearson’s comments come alongside its latest financial report, which showed a 6 % rise in adjusted operating profit in 2025, with strong results in core assessment services and virtual schooling. While digital courseware currently represents a smaller share of profit and has sometimes raised investor concerns about AI disruption, Abbosh stressed that Pearson’s approach to integrating AI is robust and aligned with rigorous educational standards. He noted that products developed by Pearson undergo detailed evaluation and are designed for trust and reliability in classroom settings.
The company argues that its AI tools — by being purpose-built and teacher-centric — help students learn more effectively than generic AI assistants, which may provide answers quickly but do not necessarily foster understanding or critical thinking. This dovetails with Pearson’s broader claim that trusted, pedagogically grounded technology can enhance education without replacing the role of educators or diminishing learners’ reasoning skills. Critics of general AI in education have previously pointed to risks such as students relying on AI for answers without building underlying competencies.
Pearson’s position reflects a wider debate in education about how to responsibly integrate AI. While some AI tools are celebrated for accessibility and convenience, educators and institutions are increasingly focused on ensuring that technology supplements learning without detracting from deep comprehension, analytical ability, and long-term academic development.
