Ed Sheeran carried out a concert at an old school following his request for a £250 million music education investment, addressed to Keir Starmer.
Ed Sheeran's Campaign for Music Education Gains Momentum
Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter, has launched an active campaign for a £250 million investment in UK music education. The initiative, which has gained significant attention, aims to repair decades of dismantling music education in the country.
Sheeran's campaign is not a solo effort. Notable artists such as Stormzy, Coldplay, Harry Styles, and other industry veterans like Sir Elton John and Annie Lennox have lent their support. In March 2025, Sheeran penned an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the government to allocate this funding to revitalise music education [1][2].
The open letter proposes five key areas for improvement in music education in the UK. These include funding music in schools, training music teachers, launching a fund for grassroots music collaboration, launching music apprenticeships, and diversifying the curriculum. The letter also highlights the decline in music provision in state schools, where 93% of children are educated, with a 21% decrease over time [1][2].
Sheeran's advocacy extends beyond words. In 2025, he began selling prints of his "Cosmic Carpark Paintings," donating 50% of the profits to the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which supports music education in state schools and grassroots organisations across the UK.
The campaign has resonated across the music industry, with artists, educators, and cultural organisations urging the government to invest in music education and protect its future. The initiative reached a significant milestone at a gala concert at Thomas Mills High School in Suffolk, where Sheeran made a surprise appearance [1][2].
The event, hosted by Britten Pears Arts at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, marked the 45th anniversary of the school's music legacy. The evening of music from students past and present served as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of dedicated music educators.
The campaign's proposals include funding music in schools to the same extent as sports, with a suggested Music & Arts Pupil Premium and additional funding for Music Hubs. The letter also suggests training 1,000 music teachers to address the 56% fall in recruitment and stopping the closures of University music departments [1][2].
The full open letter, signed by leading artists and industry figures, can be read online. Sheeran has also taken to social media to express his concerns, sharing a post on Instagram urging the government to invest in music education, citing the urgent need to protect music education in state schools.
As of mid-2025, the campaign is ongoing, with public and artistic engagement aimed at influencing government action. No recent update suggests the campaign has concluded or achieved the funding target yet. However, with the widespread support it has garnered, it seems likely that the future of music education in the UK may be on the brink of a significant transformation.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2025, March 1). Ed Sheeran calls for £250m investment in UK music education. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/mar/01/ed-sheeran-calls-for-250m-investment-in-uk-music-education [2] BBC News. (2025, March 1). Ed Sheeran urges government to invest £250m in music education. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58265126
- Ed Sheeran's campaign for music education isn't limited to formal education, as it also promotes self-development and entertainment through online-learning resources that cater to budding musicians worldwide.
- In line with the call for music education revitalization, the campaign advocates for a shift in perception, positioning music as equally important as sports in school funding, including the implementation of a Music & Arts Pupil Premium and additional funding for Music Hubs.
- Beyond traditional education, Sheeran's campaign aims to broaden music entertainment with an emphasis on education and self-development, creating avenues for budding artists while elevating music apprenticeships and diversifying the curriculum.
