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Registered address : Pearson Plc , 80 Strand , London WC2R ORL Registered in England 53723 Interim results for the six months to 30th June 2021 ( Unaudited ) 30 July 2021 Strong rebound , momentum and early strategic progress Andy Bird , Chief Executive said : P Pearson " Pearson has made good strategic , operational and financial progress in the first half of 2021 leading to healthy revenue and profit growth in the period . This reflects a strong rebound from 2020 with encouraging momentum in the underlying business . We are pleased to declare an interim dividend of 6.3p for our shareholders . " Today we have reached a significant milestone in our direct - to - consumer strategy with the launch of our new college app , Pearson + . This will provide learners with the accessible , flexible and affordable resources they need for success . It also enables us to create direct relationships with learners and to continue to engage with them as they move into their careers . " " Whilst there's still much to do in the second half , with the key back to school selling season ahead of us and notwithstanding ongoing COVID - related uncertainty in some of our major markets , we are moving with pace and purpose and we remain on track to meet current market expectations . " Highlights Underlying revenue up 17 % to £ 1,597m • • . • Global Online Learning up 25 % driven by strong growth in US Virtual Schools ; modest growth in OPM with good underlying growth offset by discontinued programs . Global Assessment grew 34 % with growth across all divisions , following the closure of test centres and schools and exam cancellations in 2020 . North American Courseware up 2 % , driven by a recovery in Canada which more than offset a 2 % decline in US Higher Education Courseware . International grew 8 % with growth in courseware , clinical assessment and PTE following school , bookstore and test centre closures last year . Adjusted operating profit of £ 127m , following loss of £ ( 23 ) m in H1 2020 • • . Recovery with operating leverage from trading , cost savings , and favourable timing partially offset by inflation and FX . Adjusted EPS 10.5p ( H1 2020 : loss of ( 5.1 ) p ) . Net interest payable of £ 27m ( H1 2020 : £ 27m ) . Interest on borrowings increased slightly , offset by favourable timing and a one - off gain following the close out of interest rate swaps . Strong balance sheet and cash flow with H1 net debt of £ 646m ( H1 2020 : £ 982m ) • Interim dividend of 6.3p declared ( H1 2020 : 6.0p ) , an increase of 5 % . • Available liquidity of approximately £ 1.4bn at the end of the period . Statutory results • • • Sales increased 7 % to £ 1,597m ( 2020 : £ 1,492m ) reflecting underlying performance , partially offset by portfolio changes and currency movements . Statutory operating profit £ 9m in H1 2021 ( H1 2020 : £ 107m ) , with the decrease due to the profit on disposal of Penguin Random House in 2020 and restructuring costs in 2021 partially offset by improved trading and reduced intangible charges . Statutory EPS 2.3p ( H1 2020 : 6.3p ) . Early strategic progress Implementation of new organisational structure with management team in place for H2 . Strategic review of international courseware local publishing businesses progressed . Pearson + , our new college learning app for US students launched today : • • • ○ Enables direct relationship with millions of students . O Accelerates recapture of secondary market . о Flexible and affordable subscription plans . 1