Ed Sheeran Praises Music Education Reforms in U.K. Curriculum Review

Ed Sheeran celebrated the U.K. government’s decision to implement new changes to music education following a review of what children are taught at most schools.

In a post on Instagram, the singer-songwriter said the new changes to the National Curriculum address several “key points” raised in an open letter he and his charitable organization, the Ed Sheeran Foundation, sent this summer. “This involves diversifying the music genres taught in schools and removing outdated systems that stop kids from studying music and the arts as part of their school day,” Sheeran wrote today, Nov. 5. “These changes give young people hope and the opportunity to study music.”

A summary of the review from the U.K. government said “revitalizing arts subjects” was one key area of improvement. It also called for scrapping the English baccalaureate program, which introduced a set of eight core academic subjects for students, but didn’t cover the arts or vocational subjects (per The Guardian). This program has long faced criticism from arts advocates, including Sheeran, who called for its removal in his summer letter. 

While Sheeran was pleased with the changes, he said, “There’s a lot more to do to support music education, especially our music teachers, but this is a step in the right direction.”

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 took up the mantle of music education when he launched his foundation earlier this year. The open letter he sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other U.K. officials called for committing £250 million (about $322 million) to “repair decades of dismantling music.” The letter was signed by an array of English music luminaries, including Harry Styles, Elton John, and Central Cee. 

Starmer wrote Sheeran, informing him about the changes to the National Curriculum. “The review places creative subjects firmly at the center,” Starmer wrote. “We are revitalizing arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Center 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.”