Music artist Ed Sheeran performed at an old school setting, following his call for a £250 million investment in music education, addressed to Keir Starmer.
Ed Sheeran, the renowned singer-songwriter, has taken a bold step in advocating for music education in the UK. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Sheeran calls for a significant investment in music education to address the declining provision in state schools [1][2].
The letter, co-signed by industry heavyweights like Sir Elton John, Annie Lennox, Coldplay, Harry Styles, Stormzy, and YolanDa Brown, has garnered widespread support across the music industry. Educators, cultural organisations, and artists are urging the government to take action and protect the future of music education [2].
The letter outlines five key areas for improvement: funding music in schools like sport, training music teachers, launching a fund for grassroots music collaboration, launching music apprenticeships, and diversifying the curriculum [2]. Sheeran is actively campaigning for a £250 million investment to address government cuts and restore and enhance music teaching opportunities for pupils [1].
To support this cause, Sheeran is 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 [1]. The campaign is ongoing in 2025, with Sheeran having formally requested this funding from Prime Minister Starmer earlier in the year [1].
The situation regarding music education in state schools is urgent, according to Sheeran. He shared a post on Instagram about the issue, highlighting that music education has seen a 21% decrease in state schools, which educate 93% of UK children [2]. The UK music industry generates £7.6 billion for the economy, but state schools have seen a significant decline in music provision [2].
The campaign combines direct fundraising through art sales and public advocacy for government investment. Last year, Sheeran made a surprise appearance at a gala concert celebrating his old high school in Suffolk, marking the 45th anniversary of the school's music legacy [3]. The event, hosted by Britten Pears Arts at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, served as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of dedicated music educators [3].
The letter also calls for the removal of the Ebacc and the inclusion of music in the Ofsted report card in England, as well as the launch of a UK-wide fund for grassroots music collaboration, the creation of music apprenticeships, and the establishment of a teacher and industry special task force for a diverse, industry-informed curriculum [2].
Long-serving Director of Music Richard Hanley, who is retiring after 36 years at the school this summer, was honoured at the event. Sheeran has spoken about the role his school played in his success, crediting Hanley's mentorship as pivotal in encouraging him to pursue his dream [3].
As of July 2025, no new updates indicating government response or policy changes have been found beyond these activities. However, Sheeran's campaign underscores the importance of music education and the urgent need for investment to ensure that music remains accessible to all children, not just a luxury for a few.
References: [1] Sheeran, E. (2025). Ed Sheeran's Open Letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. [Online]. Available: https://www.edsheeran.com/news/ed-sheeran-s-open-letter-to-prime-minister-keir-starmer
[2] BBC News. (2025). Ed Sheeran calls for £250m investment in UK music education. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55289683
[3] The Guardian. (2024). Ed Sheeran surprises fans at old school's gala concert. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/jun/15/ed-sheeran-surprises-fans-at-old-schools-gala-concert-in-suffolk
- Ed Sheeran's campaign for music education extends to online platforms, promoting personal growth, education-and-self-development, and entertainment through his "Cosmic Carpark Paintings" sale, contributing to his foundation that supports music learning in state schools and grassroots organizations.
- The letter, signed by industry heavyweights, advocates for the importance of music education, emphasizing its role in entertainment and personal growth, as well as its impact on the UK economy, with a call for government investment, policy changes, and diversification of the curriculum.
- Through this campaign, Sheeran's goal is to ensure that music education is accessible for all children, not just a luxury for a few, advancing the ideas of education, entertainment, learning, and music education, all aimed at ensuring a bright future for music and self-development in the UK.
