Financial Times publisher, Pearson (PSON.L), declared operating profits of £208 million for the first half of 2011 – a rise of 20 per cent on the same period the previous year.

The publishing group, known for its Penguin and Pearson Education divisions, confirmed sales of £2.4 billion for the six months to end of June, a rise of 6 per cent.

Marjorie Scardino, chief executive of Pearson, said while economic conditions remain blustery, the group has established a strong base on which to build.

She explained, ‘Though market conditions are anything but easy, we are sufficiently encouraged by our start to the year to raise both our guidance and our dividend.

‘Structural changes in our industries are gathering pace, but we are confident that we have the strategy, the competitive positions, the investment capacity and the culture to sustain our strong record of performance.’

The dividend was confirmed as 14 pence per share, up 1p on the previous year’s dividend declaration. The next dividend payment date for today’s interim figure is scheduled for 16 September 2011.

In the outlook for the coming six months, Scardino said the group believed that structural changes in its sectors are accelerating but that there were growth opportunities in these new areas.

She added, ‘Given Pearson’s sustained investment in transforming the business, we are well positioned to lead and benefit from these structural changes.’

Pictured: Pearson chief executive Marjorie Scardino, referred to simply as 'Marj In Charge' by her staff.