UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of December 2003 PEARSON plc (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) N/A (Translation of registrant's name into English) 80 Strand London, England WC2R 0RL 44-20-7010-2000 (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F X Form 40-F Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Yes No X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Report includes the following documents: 1. A press release from Pearson plc announcing Statement re Peter Jovanovich FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9TH DECEMBER 2003 Statement re Peter Jovanovich Pearson, the international media company, announces that Peter Jovanovich, Chief Executive of Pearson Education, will take a leave of absence from the business for a few months on medical advice. During this period, Pearson Education's divisional presidents will report to Marjorie Scardino, Pearson's Chief Executive. Marjorie Scardino said: "Peter has been wrestling with a recurring pulmonary disorder for some time. His doctors now believe he needs a period of rest to aid his recovery. Peter fully intends to return to work as soon as possible. We will continue to be in touch with him and make sure he is focused only on a speedy recovery, while our strong team of education executives continues to run the business to the high standards they are all used to." Ends For further information Luke Swanson / Charlotte Elston Pearson + 44 (0) 20 7010 2310 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. PEARSON plc Date: 09 December 2003 By: /s/ STEPHEN JONES ----------------------- Stephen Jones Deputy Secretary