Pearson chief promises a big push into China's education sector

Global giant to take mixed, blended learning approach for success

Pearson Plc, the global education service company, is planning a major push into China in response to the country's swelling demand for English-language skills both from students and the business community.

Pearson acquired one of the world's leading providers of English language training Wall Street English in 2009, which has dozens of sites across the country. It also bought the Beijing-based Global Education and Technology Group for $294 million in 2011, which is considered the largest test preparation provider for the International English Language Testing System and a leading provider of educational courses and related services in China.