Alex Pearce (Microsoft MVP) and Microsoft Licensing
Guest: Alex Pearce
Intro / Episode overview
Microsoft licensing in education is confusing. Most schools know what they’ve bought, but not always what they’re actually getting or whether it still makes sense.
In this episode of EdTechStuff, I’m joined by Alex Pearce, a Microsoft Multi MVP and Technology Strategist at Softcat. We break down Microsoft A3 and A5 licences in plain English and look at how schools can make better decisions around security, compliance, and value for money.
This is a practical conversation for people who have to make licensing decisions and live with the consequences.
What you’ll get from this episode
A clear explanation of the difference between A3 and A5
How to decide if A5 actually makes sense for your school or trust
Where schools often overpay for duplicate security tools
What DfE security expectations mean in real terms
How to use risk and compliance conversations to unlock funding
Key discussion points
The core components of Microsoft A3
What A5 adds in terms of security, compliance, and visibility
Reviewing third-party tools like Sophos alongside Microsoft licensing
Aligning your setup with DfE security standards
Why A5 is an operational change, not just a licence upgrade
Creating and using risk reports to support decisions
Managing shared and one-to-one devices securely
Using conditional access to protect systems like MIS
Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and included cost benefits
Data governance and retention using Microsoft Purview
Risks around preview features and licensing assumptions
Practical takeaways
If you only do one thing after listening:
Map what you already pay for against what Microsoft A3 or A5 already includes.
Other actions worth considering:
Build a simple risk report to highlight gaps and priorities
Review whether security tools overlap with Microsoft features
Avoid using single A5 licences to enable trust-wide features
Plan training and staffing before expanding licence use
Get proper licensing advice before relying on preview features
Who this episode is for
Network Managers in schools and MATs
IT Directors and Heads of IT
Anyone responsible for Microsoft licensing decisions
Schools reviewing security and compliance posture
Trusts considering a move from A3 to A5
About the guest
Alex Pearce is a Microsoft Multi MVP and an education-focused Technology Strategist at Softcat. He previously worked as a network manager in schools and now supports education organisations with licensing, security, compliance, and getting real value from Microsoft platforms.
Related episodes
Episode 4: Getting ready for Microsoft Copilot in education
Episode 1: Cyber security in real schools
Episode 3: One-to-one devices at PKAT and the iLearn 2.0 project
Have a question or want to suggest a topic?
If Microsoft licensing is something you’re wrestling with right now, get in touch.
Future episodes of EdTechStuff are driven by real questions from schools, not product brochures.