Intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail) - GBP (£) £ in Millions |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2025 |
Dec. 31, 2024 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
|
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| Description of valuation techniques used to measure fair value less costs of disposal | Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment. The recoverable amount of each aggregated CGU is based on the higher of value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. | ||
| Perpetuity growth rate | 2.00% | 2.00% | |
| Description of management's approach to determining values assigned to key assumptions | Forecast sales growth rates are based on past experience adjusted for the strategic direction and near-term investment priorities within each CGU. Key assumptions include growth in Enterprise Learning and Skills and English Language Learning due to product-led share gains and key accounts, growth in Virtual Learning driven by market demand and new schools, and strong core performance and market expansion in Assessments and Qualifications and Higher Education. The sales forecasts use average nominal growth rates of low-mid single digits for mature businesses in mature markets and mid-high single digit growth where there has been significant organic and / or inorganic investment. | ||
| Transfer of goodwill | £ 18 | ||
| Enterprise Learning Skills [Member] | |||
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| Headroom In Impairment Test | £ 123 | ||
| Headroom Eliminated If Discount Rate Increases | 1.60% | ||
| Cost of sales [member] | |||
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| Amortisation expense | £ 46 | £ 40 | £ 37 |
| Operating expense [member] | |||
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| Amortisation expense | 107 | 118 | 132 |
| Impairment | £ 0 | £ 0 | £ 0 |
| Bottom of range [member] | |||
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| CGU growth rate | 3.50% | ||
| Pretax discount rate | 10.30% | 10.80% | |
| Top of range [member] | |||
| Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] | |||
| CGU growth rate | 3.50% | ||
| Pretax discount rate | 12.60% | 13.20% | |