Further re Acquisition

Pearson PLC
21 August 2000


PEARSON ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF THE HART-SCOTT-RODINO WAITING PERIOD IN
CONNECTION WITH ITS PENDING ACQUISITION OF NATIONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

Pearson plc announced today that it has received early termination of the
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976
relating to its proposed acquisition of National Computer Systems, Inc.  In
addition, Pearson has received regulatory clearance from the German Federal
Cartel Office for the proposed acquisition.

As previously announced, Pearson entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire National Computer Systems, Inc.  Pursuant to such agreement, PN
Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Pearson
commenced a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of
National Computer Systems, Inc., including the associated preferred stock
purchase rights, for $73.00 per share in cash.  The tender offer is scheduled
to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, September 7,
2000, unless extended.  The tender offer remains subject to the satisfaction
or waiver of other customary conditions.


For more information:

Pearson plc communications department              Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7411 2310