Global Education has produced substantial growth over the past five years and Pearson expects it to generate revenues of approximately $65 million in 2011.

Combining Global Education with Pearson's English teaching resources and technologies and its existing networks of English language centres through its Wall Street English and Longman Schools, will expand Pearson's reach in China from eight cities to 60.

"Through organic investment and complementary acquisitions, we're learning a lot about the very significant growth opportunities we see in China and about the value of combining our content and technology with high-quality school networks," said John Fallon, CEO of Pearson's International Education Business.