The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and CLA renew long-standing partnership to support Welsh schools

State-maintained schools across Wales are set to save millions annually, thanks to the renewal of a long-standing partnership between the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA). 

The new five-year agreement, demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the value of the CLA and NLA (Newspaper Licensing Agency) Education Licences, which enable schools to copy from millions of books, magazines, newspapers, and digital publications. By securing a national licence on behalf of all state schools in Wales, the deal reduces administrative burdens while ensuring compliance with UK copyright law. 

James Massey, CLA’s Development Manager for Schools, said: 

“The CLA has had strong links with the WLGA for a number of years. We very much value this partnership that saves schools money and allows them to copy high-quality published content to improve pupil outcomes.” 

In addition to the core licences, all state schools in Wales also benefit from the Read Aloud Licence, which permits teachers to record themselves reading books aloud. This supports improved literacy by providing access to expert narration and enhancing exposure to the Welsh language in both print and spoken form. 

Sharon Davies, Chief Officer for Education (Prif Swyddog Addysg) at WLGA, commented: 

“The successful contract set up by the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) on the procurement to provide CLA licences to all schools and PRUs across Wales through their local authorities is a good example of engagement and collaboration motivated by value for money. The ease and effectiveness of the procurement has enabled local authorities in Wales to purchase additional licences for their schools e.g. CLA Read Aloud Licences which further enhances their support to schools.”

The renewed agreement underlines the commitment of the WLGA and CLA to making essential learning materials widely available while supporting the teaching profession and protecting the rights of authors and publishers.