v3.25.4
Treasury shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Treasury shares transaction [line items]  
Treasury shares
28. Treasury shares
 
    
 
  Number of
shares
000s
   
     
£
m
 
At 1 January 2024
 
 
2,160
 
 
 
19
 
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
3,273
 
 
 
33
 
Release of treasury shares
 
 
(4,754
) 
 
 
(45
) 
 
 
 
At 31 December 2024
 
 
679
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
5,109
 
 
 
63
 
Release of treasury shares
 
 
(5,063
)
 
 
(61
)
 
 
 
At 31 December 2025
 
 
725
 
 
 
9
 
The Group holds Pearson plc shares in trust to satisfy its obligations under its restricted share plans (see note 26). These shares, representing 0.1
% (2024: 0.1%) of
called-up
share capital, are treated as treasury shares for accounting purposes and have a par value of 25p per share.
The nominal value of Pearson plc treasury shares amounts to
£
0.2
m (2024: £
0.2
m). Dividends on treasury shares are waived.
At 31 December 2025, the market value of Pearson plc treasury shares was £
8
m (2024: £
9
m). The gross book value of the shares at 31 December 2025 amounts to £
9
m (2024: £
7
m).