An open letter from Ed Sheeran calling on the government to provide immediate and long-term funding for music education is being credited with spurring on a major change to the UK’s curriculum.
In March, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter – one of Britain’s most successful music exports – warned that learning to play instruments and perform onstage had become a “luxury not every child can afford”.
Backed by fellow stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Elton John, the letter appealed for a £250m music education package to help repair “decades of dismantling music”.
The government today announced the first changes to the UK curriculum in over a decade, with Sheeran’s letter praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bolstering Labour’s decision over music and arts lessons.
Bridget Phillipson, secretary of state for education, referenced Sheeran in her curriculum review speech, stating: “... our creative industries are a source of such national pride. But as Ed Sheeran said so powerfully, we can’t continue to lead on the world stage without a broad base in our schools at home.
“The arts should be for all, not the lucky few… we’ll revitalise arts education – putting it back at the heart of a rich and broad curriculum.”
The radical shift will ensure that music and arts will now be available to all children to study at school, while the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) measure – which was widely condemned for placing a higher value on “academic” subjects such as maths and science over the arts – is being removed.
Children will now be encouraged to study a greater breadth of GCSE subjects, including music and the arts – a key ask raised in Sheeran’s letter.
Starmer has also written a formal response to Sheeran, praising him for sending the “powerful message” that “creativity matters”.
“I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard,” he told the singer-songwriter. “The review places creative subjects firmly at the centre. We are revitalising arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.
“Learning music at school made a huge difference to my life. We will make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
In his open letter, Sheeran made several compelling arguments for the need for better music education funding in the UK – including a damning report from 2024, the first year in over 20 years without a UK global top 10 single or album in the overall charts.
It was in stark contrast to 2017, when Sheeran’s album Divide became the biggest-selling of the year worldwide and was credited with helping to propel a record seven per cent growth in export revenues of British music.
Responding to the curriculum news, Sheeran said in a statement: “With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government today, marking the first change to the music curriculum in over 10 years.
“This involves diversifying the music genres taught in schools and removing outdated systems that stop kids from studying music and the arts as part of their school day. These changes give young people hope and the opportunity to study music.”
He added: “Without the encouragement I received in school, especially from my music teacher, I wouldn’t be a musician today, and I know so many of my peers feel the same. My music education went beyond learning and playing. It helped me find confidence in myself, and music itself was – and still is – so important for my mental health.”
Sheeran said there was more work to be done to support music education in the UK, but believed the government’s decision was “a step in the right direction”.
Kylie Minogue announces 10th anniversary Christmas album featuring new song
Charli XCX feared being dropped by record label over critically acclaimed Brat album
No Limit rapper Young Bleed dies aged 51 after brain aneurysm
Lily Allen adds extra West End Girl tour date for 2026: How to get tickets
Country star Todd Snider arrested after suffering ‘violent assault’ in Utah
Paul McCartney reveals new details of life after The Beatles split
